Liverpool only just secured the signature of Giovanni Leoni from Parma, but reports suggest the club already have their sights set on another teenage defensive gem.

According to TEAMtalk, Ajax youngster Aaron Bouwman has emerged as the next big name on the Reds’ radar, with several European heavyweights also circling.

Liverpool and Europe’s elite chase Aaron Bouwman

Bouwman, who made his senior debut for Ajax just before his 18th birthday, has quickly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Alongside Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City have all sent scouts to watch the Dutch defender.

Standing at 6ft 2in, Bouwman is tipped to follow in the footsteps of his idol Virgil van Dijk and join the great lineage of Dutch centre-backs.

Ajax are already keen to tie him down to a new deal beyond his current 2027 contract to ward off suitors.

A young defender in Van Dijk’s mould

TEAMtalk’s report describes Bouwman as a “potential world-class talent” combining physical presence with technical quality and tactical intelligence.

His ability to read the game and distribute the ball under pressure has drawn natural comparisons with Van Dijk.

Interestingly, Bouwman began his career as a striker in the Ajax academy, and that attacking instinct remains visible.

He has already made an impression in the final third, scoring a stunning goal in a friendly against Celtic over the summer.

Planning for life after Van Dijk

Liverpool captain Van Dijk is contracted at Anfield until June 2027, by which time he will be nearly 36.

While he remains a defensive pillar under Arne Slot, the club’s recruitment team are already thinking about long-term succession.

Unlike Leoni, who arrived from Parma with a full season of Serie A football under his belt, Bouwman remains relatively raw with just one senior appearance so far.

That lack of experience means he wouldn’t be ready to walk straight into Liverpool’s squad, but the growing competition for his signature highlights his huge potential.

One to watch for 2026 and beyond

For now, Bouwman is expected to stay and develop at Ajax, with the Dutch giants hoping to fend off early bids.

However, given the level of attention he is attracting, Liverpool are likely to keep scouting him throughout the season.

As Van Dijk edges toward the latter stages of his career, Liverpool appear determined to identify and nurture the next defensive leader – and Aaron Bouwman could well be one of the brightest names on that list.