Sam Beukema, the rising defensive talent at Bologna, has openly expressed his desire to one day play in the Premier League, highlighting Liverpool and West Ham United as two clubs he would be particularly interested in joining.
At 25, Beukema has been in excellent form since his move from AZ Alkmaar, solidifying his reputation with a string of impressive performances in Italy’s Serie A. As Bologna also compete in this season’s Champions League, Beukema is seizing the opportunity to showcase his skills on the European stage, further fueling his ambitions of a future move to one of England’s elite clubs.
The Dutch centre-back recently spoke about his long-term goals, revealing his admiration for the Premier League in an interview with Corriere dello Sport, an Italian newspaper. His remarks, as cited by Sport Witness, indicate that Beukema has been thinking ahead about his career and where it might take him next. Though happy at Bologna, he is already eyeing a future move to England, where he believes he could thrive.
Premier League Dream: West Ham and Liverpool
Beukema’s affection for West Ham, in particular, dates back to a memorable visit to Upton Park with his father when he was younger. The Dutchman recalled how he was struck by the electric atmosphere of the old ground, likening it to the passionate support he experienced at Feyenoord and Go Ahead Eagles, two clubs well known for their ardent fanbases. His connection to West Ham has left a lasting impression, and he describes himself as having been a fan of the club ever since.
“I was a fan of West Ham,” Beukema shared. “I visited Upton Park with my father and was really impressed. The atmosphere reminded me a lot of what you get at Feyenoord or Go Ahead Eagles.”
Despite his fondness for West Ham, Beukema is pragmatic about his future, acknowledging that there are many clubs in the Premier League that he would be excited to play for. One of those is Liverpool, a club he clearly holds in high regard. Beukema described the Reds as a “great club” and hinted that if the opportunity ever arose, he would jump at the chance to join them.
“But there are so many fantastic teams in England,” he added. “If another great club like Liverpool came along, I would be happy to go there one day.”
His comments reflect the wide appeal of the Premier League to players across Europe, with its rich history, competitive nature, and massive global audience. Beukema’s openness to joining a variety of top-flight clubs suggests he is determined to take his game to the highest level, wherever that might lead him.
A Rising Star at Bologna
Beukema’s rise to prominence in Italian football has been swift and impressive. Since joining Bologna from AZ Alkmaar, he has quickly established himself as a key player in the team’s defensive unit. His strong performances in Serie A have not gone unnoticed, as he consistently displays a mix of composure, tactical awareness, and physicality that makes him a formidable presence at the back.
Playing in Italy has also given Beukema valuable experience in a league renowned for its defensive discipline and tactical sophistication. Serie A is often viewed as one of the toughest leagues for defenders, and Beukema’s success there only adds to his credentials as a player capable of handling the rigors of the Premier League.
Bologna’s participation in the Champions League this season has given Beukema an even larger stage to prove himself. European football offers a unique opportunity for players to raise their profiles, and Beukema will be looking to make the most of it as his team faces strong opposition from across the continent.
His performances for Bologna have already attracted attention, and it’s possible that clubs outside of Italy are monitoring his development closely. As he continues to grow as a player, Beukema’s ambition to move to a top European league looks increasingly realistic.
Liverpool’s Need for Defensive Reinforcements
Beukema’s admiration for Liverpool could turn out to be more than just a personal preference. With Virgil van Dijk, another Dutch international and a key figure at the heart of Liverpool’s defense, now in the final year of his contract, the club may soon need to look for a long-term replacement. Van Dijk has been a transformative player for Liverpool since his arrival, but at 33, his best years may be behind him, and the Reds could begin planning for the future.
Beukema, given his age, potential, and playing style, could be a natural fit for Liverpool. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he has the physical presence needed to compete in the Premier League, while his ball-playing ability and tactical awareness align with Liverpool’s defensive philosophy. With Jurgen Klopp’s side always on the lookout for talent that can contribute to their high-intensity style, Beukema might just be on their radar as they consider the next generation of defenders.
Liverpool has a history of recruiting players with a Dutch connection, including van Dijk and midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, who was a key player for the club before his departure. Beukema’s ability to slot into a similar role, potentially alongside van Dijk if he remains at the club, could offer Liverpool continuity in their defensive setup.
A Move to England on the Horizon?
Whether Beukema’s future lies with West Ham, Liverpool, or another club, it’s clear that he has the talent and ambition to succeed in the Premier League. His development at Bologna and his growing reputation as one of Serie A’s most reliable defenders suggest that it may only be a matter of time before a top English club comes calling.
For now, Beukema remains focused on helping Bologna achieve success this season, both domestically and in Europe. However, his words reveal a player with big dreams and the determination to make them a reality. Should his performances continue to impress, a move to the Premier League could well be on the cards sooner rather than later.
In the coming years, Beukema could be one of the names to watch as English clubs look to strengthen their defensive options. His blend of passion for the game, personal connections to Premier League clubs, and his growing skillset make him an intriguing prospect for any team looking to bolster their backline. Only time will tell where Beukema’s journey takes him next, but his ambitions are clear: the Premier League awaits.
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