Dean Huijsen, a promising 20-year-old center back for Bournemouth, is attracting interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, having impressed since his move from Juventus. His $66.1 million release clause has sparked competition among top clubs. Reports suggest Real Madrid is keen on Huijsen, especially with manager Xabi Alonso’s arrival, while Liverpool and Arsenal also have their sights set on him. Known for his skill and defensive prowess, Huijsen is touted as Europe’s best center back under 21. His ideal move appears to be to Real Madrid or Liverpool, depending on team’s defensive needs and potential opportunities.
Bournemouth’s promising center back, Dean Huijsen, is attracting significant attention, with recent reports indicating that Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid are making strong efforts to secure the Spanish talent.
At just 20 years old, Huijsen has made a remarkable impact this season after transferring from Juventus to Bournemouth last summer. Although it took him some time to break into the Bournemouth squad, he has since excelled, and his reported $66.1 million release clause has attracted interest from top clubs.
As per a report from Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid is in discussions with soon-to-be-announced manager Xabi Alonso regarding center back prospects, and Huijsen—who has recently earned a spot in the Spanish national team—has aspirations of playing for Real. According to another report from Relevo in Spain, Alonso is advocating for Huijsen’s signing this summer, as Real aims to enhance their defensive lineup following injury woes this season.
However, Sky in Germany reports that Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Arsenal are currently leading the pursuit for Huijsen. The intrigue continues to build.
How good can Huijsen become?
The Premier League boasts numerous talented young players, but it’s fair to say that Huijsen is currently the top center back in Europe under the age of 21. He stands out among players like Leny Yoro and Pau Cubarsi, with an impressive trajectory.
Watching Huijsen in action reveals why he has seamlessly adjusted to the Premier League.
He demonstrates impressive agility and skill on the ball, is comfortable playing out from the back, and most crucially, he excels at attacking the ball and applying high pressure, both aerially and in one-on-one situations. He embodies the qualities of the modern center back.
At six-foot-four, he poses a significant threat during attacking set pieces and hasn’t yet fully developed his physicality. His potential is immense, and his release clause seems surprisingly low given his high ceiling.
Where should Huijsen go?
It appears that Huijsen has his sights set on a move to Real Madrid, and who could blame him?
With Xabi Alonso on the horizon and veteran players like Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba nearing the end of their careers, along with Eder Militao recovering from a serious ACL injury, there’s a genuine chance for Huijsen to quickly establish himself in Real Madrid’s starting lineup as the club enters a new era.
Liverpool might also serve as a favorable next destination, as Ibrahima Konate’s future remains uncertain, and Jarell Quansah could be departing this summer. The opportunity to develop alongside one of the world’s top center backs, Virgil van Dijk, is certainly enticing.
As for Arsenal, they should only be considered if William Saliba moves on, which is a possibility since Real Madrid has shown interest in signing the French center back. For now, that seems improbable, and Huijsen might have to wait behind Saliba and Gabriel, as their formidable partnership is among the best in the world.
This summer, Huijsen will have plenty of excellent options, but he must make a wise choice, which currently looks like a decision between Real Madrid and Liverpool. Both are excellent prospects.