Dean Huijsen: Bournemouth’s Rising Star Attracts Major Interest
Bournemouth’s highly-rated defender, Dean Huijsen, is reportedly available for £50 million this summer due to a release clause embedded in his contract. The 19-year-old sensation has caught the attention of several elite clubs, with Newcastle United being one of six teams keenly monitoring his situation.
According to The i Paper, Bournemouth successfully fended off interest during the January transfer window for Huijsen, who has emerged as a standout player for manager Andoni Iraola this season. While there were no formal offers made for the Spain under-21 international, the Cherries made it clear they would not entertain any bids, prioritizing their strong campaign that has seen them ascend to fifth place in the Premier League after 25 matches.
As the prospect of European football looms larger, Bournemouth is realistic about their chances of retaining Huijsen. Reports indicate that Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle are the English clubs showing the most interest. Moreover, top European teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping a close eye on his availability, especially as they shift towards acquiring younger talents.
Huijsen’s potential has long been recognized by football insiders, with his former coach at Roma, Daniele De Rossi, predicting he could evolve into one of the world’s best centre-backs. His remarkable progress on the south coast has certainly begun to validate that forecast.
While losing Huijsen would be a significant setback for Bournemouth, the club is conscious that their impressive form has drawn attention to their key players. Additionally, Milos Kerkez is another player on Liverpool’s radar, although unlike Huijsen, he does not have a release clause in his contract, giving Bournemouth more control over his future valuation.
Meanwhile, Newcastle is looking to rejuvenate its centre-back options, especially with the impending contract extension for Fabian Schar. The Magpies had shown interest in Marc Guehi last summer but opted not to meet Crystal Palace’s £65 million asking price. However, a move for Huijsen would be appealing, considering Eddie Howe‘s established connections with Bournemouth.
With the club’s improved Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) position by 2025, Newcastle finds itself in a robust position heading into the summer transfer window. Although there have been no significant signings since Howe’s arrival seven months ago, Paul Mitchell, the director of football, is refining scouting systems while cultivating relationships that could enable the club to secure some of Europe’s most promising young talents. Huijsen would certainly fit that bill.
Given the almost certain competition for many of Newcastle’s primary targets—including soon-to-be out-of-contract Jonathan David from Lille—the club is compiling a strategic plan. This includes a Plan A that leverages the potential allure of European football and a Plan B comprising alternative targets if they fail to qualify. Although this process is still in its early stages, the Magpies are gaining clarity on their financial capabilities, positioning themselves to compete for coveted players like Huijsen, which offers some hope after a challenging 18 months in recruitment.
