Liverpool pounce on Napoli defender highly regarded by Slot
Liverpool pounce on Napoli defender highly regarded by Slot Premier League giants Liverpool are reportedly interested in Napoli centre-back Sam Beukema, who is ‘highly regarded’ by the Reds’ boss Arne Slot. Liverpool have set their sights on Napoli defender Beukema ahead of the summer transfer window, reports TEAMTalk . According to the report, the Dutch defender is highly regarded by his compatriot Slot, who is expected to remain in charge of Liverpool for 2026-27.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield on December 03, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) The report claims that Slot already tried to sign Beukema at Feyenoord when the Dutch centre-back was playing for Go Ahead Eagles. Slot has reportedly confirmed his admiration for Beukema to the Liverpool recruitment team, including sporting director Richard Hughes.
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Sam Beukema of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Liverpool are expected to bolster their defence next summer, with Beukema among the names on their shortlist. The Reds already secured defensive reinforcement from Serie A last summer by signing Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
The Italian defender has had an unfortunate debut season at Anfield, sustaining an ACL injury in his first game with the Reds. Slot recently provided an update on the Italian centre-back, saying that the ex-Parma talent is “becoming a beast” as he continues his recovery from injury. Beukema, 27, joined Napoli from Bologna in a €31m deal last summer, making 30 appearances across all competitions this season.