In the fast-paced world of football, few players have emerged as quickly as Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen. The 19-year-old defender is making headlines due to intense interest from multiple clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. The young Dutchman, who switched his international allegiance to Spain recently, is at the forefront of a potentially monumental summer transfer window.
As of March 20, 2025, Liverpool has strongly shown interest in Huijsen, who has dramatically increased his profile during his time at Bournemouth, especially after joining from Juventus for a mere £12.6 million last summer. His impressive performances this season in the Premier League have already earned him his first call-up to the Spanish national team, showcasing his rapid development.
Huijsen is valued highly for his abilities on the ball and defensive capabilities, having contributed significantly to the Cherries’ success in the league. For Liverpool, the situation is pressing, especially with captain Virgil van Dijk’s contract nearing its end. With new management under Arne Slot, the Reds are looking to rebuild and strengthen their squad this summer.
“I do know that in the background we are definitely working on strengthening the squad in the summer,” Slot mentioned in January 2025, reflecting the urgent need for Liverpool to make significant changes.
Currently, Huijsen has a release clause set at £50 million, a figure that is garnering significant attention from many of Europe’s elite teams, as confirmed by TBR Football. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have shown keen interest, with the latter’s consideration depending largely on a possible departure of Andreas Christensen. However, Huijsen is thought to prefer a move to La Liga, as the prospect of playing in his native Spain is particularly appealing.
According to reports, Huijsen's camp has communicated that he would favor a transfer to Spain over other Premier League options, which includes top clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham, all of whom have made contact. This provides Liverpool with a challenge, as they must convince the talented defender that moving to Anfield would benefit his career.
“I was flattered to hear about the links to Real Madrid,” Huijsen commented, hinting at the broader interest in his services. Nonetheless, the pressure mounts on Liverpool, especially with the looming uncertainty over Van Dijk and other key players like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts are also nearing their expiration.
While the potential signing of Huijsen excites Liverpool fans, securing the deal could hinge on the club's ability to offload current players to make space in the squad. David Ornstein of The Athletic noted that any move for Huijsen would likely require some outwards movement and clear priorities regarding Liverpool’s roster.
Like Liverpool, Manchester United is also eying Huijsen. With an injury crisis reducing the number of fit center-backs, the Red Devils have identified Huijsen as an ideal candidate to bolster their defense. Their need for a young, versatile defender to complement their existing squad reflects the broader trend among top English clubs to invest in emerging talents.
“He has been a revelation since his move to England,” stated a source familiar with Huijsen’s progress, emphasizing how impactful he has been in a position that usually takes longer for young players to adapt.
Another key player making waves is Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, a talented left-back who is also attracting Liverpool's attention. The need for defensive reinforcements at Anfield reflects Liverpool’s strategy of not just focusing on immediate returns but looking toward the future and sustainability as well.
With Bournemouth on track for a potential European campaign next season, it raises additional challenges for clubs like Liverpool, who not only need to convince Huijsen of their project but also navigate the intricacies of transfer negotiations with a club that feels they can retain their star players.
The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be one of intrigue for Dean Huijsen and Bournemouth, as his ascent through the ranks continues to attract the attention of clubs across Europe. While Liverpool appears poised for a significant overhaul, the competition for Huijsen's signature will be fierce, particularly if the allure of playing in La Liga remains strong.
As opinions surface and expectations rise, one thing is clear: Dean Huijsen's future is shaping up to be one of the summer's most watched storylines. The young defender's next move could have implications far beyond just one player's career, influencing how clubs strategize their recruitment and development moving forward.
