Liverpool & Real Madrid included – Five potential transfer destinations for Dean Huijsen

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€50m release clause 

©TM/IMAGO

Dean Huijsen has been one of the best signings in the Premier League season with the centre-back instrumental to Bournemouth’s incredible form. Juventus will be majorly regretting their decision to allow Huijsen to join the Cherries for just €15.2 million in the summer as he will earn the south coast club a substantial profit. The 19-year-old has played every single minute of Bournemouth’s last 15 games in all competitions with Andoni Iraola’s men losing just once during that run – a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Liverpool.

The Spain U21 international possesses every desired quality in a modern centre-back as he’s quick, strong defensively and outstanding in possession – being left-footed makes him even more attractive to potential suitors. Huijsen will be on the radar of a host of top European clubs this summer, especially as a €50 million release clause in his contract becomes active this summer. The 19-year-old’s release clause represents relatively good value for a player of his ability and potential – we’ve analysed five potential destinations for Huijsen this summer.

Arne Slot’s men have been strongly linked with Huijsen in recent weeks. Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best centre-backs in the world and he’s been unmovable on the left of Liverpool’s defence since joining the club. But the Dutch international has yet to sign a new contract at the club and that leaves Liverpool looking for potential replacements. Even if Van Dijk stays as expected, Huijsen could represent the 33-year-old’s long-term successor and he could also feasibly cover left-back with doubts over Andy Robertson’s long-term future. Liverpool are notoriously shrewd in the transfer market and have been cautious across recent windows but Huijsen represents a shrewd long-term investment.

In stark contrast to Liverpool’s conservative approach to the transfer market, Chelsea have signed a plethora of players across recent seasons. Their transfer strategy has focused on signing the best young talents on long-term contracts and Huijsen fits that approach perfectly. Chelsea recalled Trevor Chabolah on-loan in January from Crystal Palace in a clear sign they weren’t happy with their centre-back options. Wesley Fofana’s injury problems are a major concern while Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adrabioyo have failed to truly impress. Levi Colwill is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge and prefers to play left centre-back but that won’t deter them from moving for Huijsen.

Real Madrid’s injury problems at centre-back have plagued their season and they will address that with a new signing this summer. Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Éder Militão have all missed large parts of the season with injury with Aurelien Tchouameni regularly deputising at centre-back. Raul Asencio has emerged as a first-team player but Huijsen would represent good value and could be Madrid’s centre-back for the next decade.

Manchester United have also been linked with Huijsen but Old Trafford is unlikely to be his preferred destination. The Bournemouth star has spoken about his desire to play European football and the Cherries have a better chance of securing that than United. Lisandro Martinez’s ACL injury could force United to sign a left sided centre-back and Huijsen would be the perfect candidate but other European clubs will be more appealing.

The German giants are another club monitoring Huijsen’s development. Vincent Kompany has introduced a possession-based philosophy at Bayern but neither Dayot Upamecano or Min-jae Kim are outstanding on the ball. Hiroki Ito has been injured for the majority of the season and Eric Dier doesn’t represent a long-term option. Huijsen would be a brilliant signing for Bayern in a league where they dominate the ball and the €50m release clause is affordable for the Bundesliga side.