Real Madrid is eyeing Bournemouth's rising star Dean Huijsen to reinforce their defense as they navigate through injuries and seek to rejuvenate their squad. The talented Dutch-Spanish defender has made waves since his transfer from Juventus, showcasing his skills and maturity on England's Premier League stage.
Huijsen, just 19 years old, has emerged as one of the standout prospects for Bournemouth, cementing his place with impressive performances. After moving for €15 million last summer, he quickly became known for both his defensive prowess and his ability to contribute offensively, scoring key goals against teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid has rekindled its interest due to injuries to key players including David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão. These setbacks have forced manager Carlo Ancelotti to adjust his defensive strategies, sometimes employing midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a temporary solution alongside Antonio Rudiger.
The Merengues are now narrowing their search for center-backs, and Huijsen stands out not just for his physical stature at 6'6" but also for his strong tactical awareness—a blend of qualities honed during his formative years at Málaga's youth academy and later at Juventus.
While Huijsen's career seems on the upward slope, his history with Real Madrid complicates the potential transfer. Previously courted by Madrid as a young prospect, he declined their advances to join Juventus, attracted by the Italian club's developmental focus. His choice to leave Madrid—despite interest from giants like Barcelona—was influenced by the tactical education he believed he could gain at Juve.
Reports indicate Madrid sees Huijsen as part of their future defensive layout, potentially starting what could be termed the "Spanishization" of their lineup. The defender's market value has risen to approximately €18 million, indicating Bournemouth’s awareness of his growing prominence. This valuation coupled with his contract running until the summer of 2030 suggests any pursuit from Madrid may require considerable financial negotiation.
Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether Huijsen would accept a role as merely a backup at such a prestigious club. Notably, he recently expressed contentment with his current position at Bournemouth, having earned the trust of manager Andoni Iraola, resulting in multiple back-to-back starts this season.
"He’s one of the most talented center-backs in Europe. One day, he’ll become a top player. I have no doubt he’ll be one of the best defenders in the world," stated José Mourinho, who had previously worked with Huijsen during his loan period at AS Roma. Such endorsements from well-respected figures suggest Huijsen possesses significant potential, which could peak should he join Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's hierarchy seems cautious this time, wanting to avoid the misstep they experienced with Lenny Yoro. Yoro had been slated as a top target for Madrid but ended up joining Manchester United after they offered substantially higher financial terms—more than double what Madrid had put on the table. This situation has evidently shifted the club's strategy, making them more aware of how domestic rivals might take advantage of their hesitations.
Others on Real Madrid’s radar include well-known names such as Aymeric Laporte and William Saliba; both have their own price tags and inquiries from other major clubs. For the time being, Huijsen’s development at Bournemouth is under watchful eyes from not just Real Madrid but also clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United.
Given the competitive nature of the Premier League and the interest Huijsen has generated, Madrid will have to act decisively if they wish to secure the young center-back. His blend of skills not only offers immediate relief for their defensive woes but also promises long-term return on investment.
The situation remains dynamic, with Bournemouth unlikely to part with their rising star without a substantial fee. Huijsen's burgeoning talent suggests he may well be on the threshold of something big, regardless of which club claims him next. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how this narrative develops as the January transfer window looms.
