Real Madrid are reportedly leading the race to sign Bournemouth’s highly-rated centre-back Dean Huijsen, outpacing Premier League rivals Chelsea in the pursuit of the 20-year-old Spanish international. Huijsen has attracted significant interest from top European clubs following an impressive season in the Premier League.
Huijsen’s Rise to Prominence
Born in Amsterdam in 2005, Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller began his football journey in Spain after his family relocated to Marbella when he was five. He developed through the youth systems of Costa Unida CF and Málaga before joining Juventus in 2021. After progressing through Juventus’s ranks and a loan spell at Roma, Huijsen signed with Bournemouth in July 2024. His performances in the Premier League have been stellar, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit
Real Madrid have been monitoring Huijsen’s development since his youth days at Málaga. The club sees him as a long-term solution to bolster their defense, especially with an eye on the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Huijsen’s playing style has drawn comparisons to former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, further fueling the club’s interest
A significant factor in Madrid’s favor is Huijsen’s reported preference for a move to the Spanish capital. Despite interest from other top clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich, Huijsen is said to prioritize the prestige and long-term stability offered by Real Madrid.
Financial Considerations
Huijsen’s contract with Bournemouth includes a £50 million release clause, payable in three installments, making the deal financially manageable for Real Madrid. While the club has generally targeted free transfers in recent years, the need to reinforce their defense after a disappointing season has prompted them to consider significant investments.
Chelsea’s Interest
Chelsea have been actively seeking to strengthen their defense amid ongoing fitness issues in their squad. The club has identified Huijsen as a key target and has submitted several inquiries to Bournemouth. However, Real Madrid’s proactive approach and Huijsen’s inclination towards a move to Spain have placed the Spanish giants in a favorable position.
Conclusion
With Real Madrid intensifying their efforts and Huijsen reportedly favoring a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, the Spanish club appears poised to secure the signing of one of Europe’s most promising young defenders. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations progress and the summer transfer window approaches.
