Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen, who has been linked with a number of clubs including Liverpool, has confirmed that he has a release clause in his contract, believed to be worth around $65 million (£50 million).
Speaking to the Spanish station El Chiringuito TV, Huijsen, who was previously at Juventus, said: “I have a contract until 2030, [but] I do have a [release] clause. I don’t know (if I’ll join Real Madrid); we’ll see.
“It’s a big team. Every player wants to play in the maximum [level] possible. A friend called me and said, ‘Go to Real Madrid’. I laughed. What am I going to say?”
Liverpool is one of a number of Premier League clubs to have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, according to The Athletic. Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle United have also spoken to the player, while he also has interest in Spain.
“Sergio Ramos has been my idol since I was little,” Huijsen admitted. “(Carlo Ancelotti) is a very good manager. He’s not at Real Madrid for nothing. He deserves credit.”
Huijsen turns 20 later this week and is expected to be on the move when the season ends. Bournemouth would like a swift outcome to his future to emerge with an acceptance that he is likely to leave.
Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, is expected to remain at Liverpool and pen a contract extension. Ibrahima Konate, though, only has one year left on his deal – and the Frenchman could be the next in line for talks to be stepped up.
(Image: El Chiringuito TV)
“I can’t say more than there will be news in the upcoming weeks, whether it’s positive or not,” Van Dijk said this week. “I have no idea at this point. Well I don’t know. I mentioned it many times before; I said I am calm.
“Like I said also many times before, you know I love the club, and the club loves me. I love playing for Liverpool. At this stage, I’m not really panicking whatsoever, so let’s see.”
Liverpool.com says: Huijsen looks like an exceptional talent and his release clause is reasonable. It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool would be interested in signing a center-back, though.
Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are the backup to Van Dijk and Konate at the moment, though there could be movement in that department. If Liverpool wants Huijsen, it might have to be now, however. Waiting would likely mean him heading elsewhere.
