Who is Dean Huijsen? The Juventus defensive prospect wanted by Liverpool and Newcastle

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On loan at Roma 

The 2023/24 season is edging closer towards its conclusion and as such many of English football’s biggest clubs are already making plans for the summer transfer window. Over the course of his current campaign, Premier League clubs spent a combined €2.93 billion on new players and there’s little to suggest that we won’t see more of the same next season. Especially if some of the most recent reporting is to be believed. One such transfer story that is likely to develop into a saga revolves around the future of young Juventus defender Dean Huijsen. Born in Amsterdam but having grown up in Spain, the young talent is now making a name for himself after coming through the Juventus youth academy and moving out on loan to Roma this season. Reports in England suggest that both Liverpool and Newcastle are keeping tabs on the 18-year-old talent and could look to make a move in the summer. So who is Huijsen and how good is he?

How well has Dean Huijsen done in Serie A?

As previously noted, Huijsen came through the Juventus youth academy and made 70 appearances for the club’s youth teams. The defender only featured in one senior game for the “Old Lady” this season, before agreeing to join Roma on loan. And since then the young talent has impressed with the step up to senior football. “It was a bit surprising that Roma wanted him for the rest of the season,” said Transfermarkt Serie A expert Jatin Dietl when asked about Huijsen’s performances this season. “A previously agreed loan to Frosinone would have been the more logical step. Before he only had a few games in Juventus’ second team in the third division. But who can say no if José Mourinho calls? But even with the new coach Daniele De Rossi he is getting minutes. He only played like two or three games from the beginning, but he is an important option from the bench. He made some defensive mistakes, but has also shown his ability to score goals.”

How good could Dean Huijsen become? 

Of course, Liverpool and Newcastle will be far more interested in the player Huijsen could one day become rather than the performances he’s shown this season at Roma. However, as Dietl notes, the young defender may need a few more seasons of senior football in Italy before he is ready to play for either Premier League side. “He is not (yet) at the level to be a starter for a club like Roma,” said Dietl. “But he has a lot of potential and extremely good technique for a central defender. Sometimes at Roma he even plays in midfield. He’s very elegant but he lacks experience in one-v-one defensive situations and he also has to grow physically to adapt to the higher requirements of top level football. So I would say it would be an investment in the future, but if he develops well he can become a very good modern defender.”

Would Juventus be willing to sell Dean Huijsen this summer? 

Indeed, Huijsen may have the potential to develop into a leading central defender in Serie A or the Premier League and if Liverpool or Newcastle could swoop in for the talent now they may have the ability to sign him before he becomes too expensive. As things currently stand, the on-loan talent has a contract with Juventus until 2024 and a market value of only €10 million. And, according to Dietl, the Italian giants may be willing to sell the young player at the right price. “I think so,” said Dietl when asked if the Turin side would consider parting with the young prospect. “They have a few good defenders, but need money to buy players in other positions. For a handsome sum, of course.”  

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