This season has seen the emergence of a bonafide Premier League superstar in Dean Huijsen as the young centre-back has thrived at Bournemouth following his arrival from Juventus last summer. The 20-year-old has taken to life in England like a duck to water and has played a key role in the Cherries’ impressive campaign so far.
He’s caught the attention of multiple top sides, including Liverpool, and there will be plenty chasing his signature in the coming months. A recent report, however, revealed that Chelsea are currently considered the front-runners in the race to sign him. Enzo Maresca is keen to strengthen his defence after an up and down first season at Stamford Bridge and Huijsen is the player he wants to add to the back line.
Not everyone is happy about a potential transfer taking him to the Blues, though. In fact, according to Metro, recent reports suggest that the Spanish national team are actually ‘seriously concerned’ about a possible move to Stamford Bridge for the star.
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Five Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Arsenal meet with Dean Huijsen representatives
According to reports, Bournemouth and Spain defender Dean Huijsen is a target for five Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. The Spaniard joined the Cherries for £12.6m from Juventus last summer and has shone in his first season in England as Andoni Iraola’s side push for a European spot. The 19-year-old will be available for just £50million due to a release clause in his contract, with many of the biggest sides in Europe beginning to show interest. The Athletic have reported that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham have all met Huijsen’s representatives. The report highlights how Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are leading the race, with the player expected to join another Premier League club this summer.
Spain Are Worried the Move Will Impact Their European Under-21 Championship
They want the star to take part this summer
While a move to Chelsea would likely be a positive for Huijsen and the club, his national team aren’t quite convinced and they’re reportedly concerned about the move. The defender, labelled ‘dazzling’ by the Mirror, has represented Spain at a senior level, but the nation wanted him to take part in the European Under-21 Championship this summer.
However, if he is to move to Chelsea, he will likely have to miss the international tournament as a result of the Club World Cup, which the Blues will be competing in, getting underway just three days after the European Under-21 Championship kicks things off. He can’t be in two places at once and his nation is worried that the move will prevent him from representing them this summer as he’ll prioritise playing in the Club World Cup for Maresca’s side instead.
So far, Huijsen has already played six times for the Spain Under-21 team, as well as earning one cap in the senior national team for his troubles. Having represented the Netherlands at multiple youth levels, he made the decision to switch to Spain in 2024 and hasn’t looked back since. Whether he plays this summer in the European Under-21 Championship or not, there’s no doubt that he has an exciting international career ahead of him. Whether he’ll be representing his nation as a Chelsea player, leave Bournemouth for someone else, or remains with the Cherries for the foreseeable future remains to be seen, though.
