​Richard Hughes has been at the centre of Liverpool’s transfer business for the last couple of years. He spent a huge amount of money at Anfield last term which saw the Reds break the British transfer record twice.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMost people expected Liverpool to be a much better team but, in reality, they were much worse off and Arne Slot even lost his job due to the poor performances of his squad.These poor performances have led to Liverpool needing to sign even more players this summer despite spending a small fortune last term.However, in order for them to bring more players in, some may need to be sold with several members of Andoni Iraola’s squad already being linked with an exit.But, before this happens, it feels like Hughes could pull off one final transfer masterclass which could easily set the Reds up for the future.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVirgil van Dijk has been Liverpool’s rock for as long as many can remember.The Dutchman’s signing was questioned when Jurgen Klopp first brought him in for £75 million but, since then, he’s more than proven his worth.However, as we enter the 2026-27 season, the centre-back will be in the final year of his contract and, even though the Reds could end up offering him a new deal, no talks have yet emerged about this being a possibility.In fact, AC Milan have already been linked with a free transfer for Van Dijk in June 2027 as he is their ‘dream’ defensive target.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf this happens and the Dutchman does exit L4, Liverpool will need a successor for him so, rather than waiting until next summer when the Reds are desperate, Hughes getting ahead of the game and signing a left-sided centre-back now makes a lot of sense.That way, teams won’t try and squeeze every penny out of Liverpool and, they’d also have a year to get used to the way that Iraola plays which will make the transition from Van Dijk to whoever it may be much easier.Hence why, if Hughes manages to pull the transfer off, it would be yet another masterclass from the Englishman.Bet £10, Get £30 in Free BetsAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOpen an account and place a qualifying bet of £10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.18+New UK/ROI customers. Min £5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at £10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org£30 FREECLAIM NOW18+Gambling can be addictive — please only bet what you can afford to lose. For free support visitBeGambleAware.org or call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). Self-exclude at GAMSTOP.co.uk. AnfieldWatch is not a licensed betting operator. Offers subject to change.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementObviously, replacing Van Dijk isn’t going to be easy.Liverpool have relied on the 6’4 giant to carry their defence since 2017 and, without him, there’s no way that the Anfield outfit would have been