Reigning European champions Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Bournemouth’s 19-year-old defender Dean Huijsen.
Los Blancos, who have limited options at the heart of the defence, are supposedly convinced that Huijsen has what it takes to become an integral part of the team.
With Nacho leaving the club in the summer transfer window, Real Madrid started the 2024-25 season with four first-team centre-backs: Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Jesus Vallejo. Alaba tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) last season and has yet to return to the pitch. In November, Militao suffered a season-ending ACL injury, leaving Madrid with just a couple of centre-backs.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has not shown faith in Vallejo, which has led to Rudiger playing nearly every game for Los Merengues. Castilla star Raul Asencio or make-shift centre-back Aurelien Tchouameni has filled the second centre-back slot.
Real Madrid Closely Monitoring Bournemouth Youngster Dean Huijsen
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Real Madrid want to bolster their defence in the coming transfer windows and have identified Huijsen as a person of interest. The All-Whites, who have been betting big on young players in the last few years, have been tracking him for a while now. Scouts believe he has the potential to become a key part of the club’s future.
Huijsen is not the first Spanish defender Los Blancos have scouted, but Huijsen has reportedly evoked special interest among board members.
In July, Premier League outfit Bournemouth agreed a £12.6 million deal with Serie A side Juventus for the transfer of Huijsen. If all add-ons come into play, the transfer fee could rise to £15.6 million. The young centre-back has been in impressive form in the Premier League, earning plaudits for his ability to read the game, passing range, and command of the box. He also makes excellent use of his imposing physicality to go toe-to-toe with formidable attackers.
Since the start of the season, Huijsen has played 12 matches in the Premier League, helping the team keep three clean sheets. He has scored two goals, attempted 15 tackles, completed 465 passes, performed 15 interceptions, and cleared the ball 48 times. With him guarding the backline, Bournemouth have only conceded six goals in the league.
