It’s claimed Real Madrid has set its sights on Bournemouth’s young defender Dean Huijsen as its primary transfer target for the upcoming summer.
The La Liga team is eager to bolster it’s center-back options by looking at Huijsen, the 19-year-old who’s heavily linked with a summer transfer to Liverpool. Madrid has scouted several players, including Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Arsenal’s William Saliba.
However, both are expected to come with a hefty price tag, whereas Huijsen could offer far greater value for money. The Spanish club is also eyeing Ajax prodigy Jorrel Hato, who has played alongside Huijsen at international youth levels for the Netherlands before the Premier League talent chose to represent Spain.
The two could face off in the imminent Nations League fixtures this week after Huijsen was called up to the senior Spain squad for the first time. Spanish outlet Marca initially reported Madrid’s interest in Huijsen.
Premier League powerhouses – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United – are believed to be monitoring the teenager’s progress, and reports last month suggested he has a £50 million ($65 million) release clause that becomes active in the summer transfer window.
Bournemouth secured Huijsen’s signature last summer for £12.5 million ($16.3 million) on a six-year deal, a move Juventus might now be ruing. The teenager has represented both the Netherlands and Spain at youth levels.
(Image: Getty Images)
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, speaking in December, praised Huijsen’s impact since joining the club: “I think he has shown from the beginning that he can do this. He plays with confidence and even though he is 19-years-old he has played a few games. But now with the injury to Marcos (Senesi), he for sure will have to play more.
“It is not always easy to play as a defender in the Premier League, but I hope the young players can grow together and continue their development. The good thing for them is that they have room to improve.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s players still contenders in the Champions League quarterfinals and in the La Liga title race. However, Madrid’s season has been hampered by a string of defensive injuries, with key players like Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao out for considerable periods.
The buzz around Madrid continues with rumors that its eyeing a free agent deal for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold after his contract expires at the end of June. The Reds are also in danger of losing Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah when their current deals expire at the end of this season.
