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22 hours ago
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Chelsea are reportedly looking to bolster their defensive options for next season with Bournemouth’s promising center-back Dean Huijsen a key target.
The Blues have joined the growing list of clubs interested in the highly-rated 19-year-old including Spanish giants Real Madrid.
While the current European champions have been monitoring Huijsen’s situation at the Vitality Stadium, it's Chelsea who have made the most significant progress in talks with his reprenstatives, as per reports from the Independent.
The future of Spain's defence
Huijsen has quickly developed into one of Europe's most sought-after young defenders, despite 2024/25 being his debut senior season, with a £50m [$66m] release clause making him an attractive option for Europe's top clubs.
His solid performances for the Cherries in 2025 have caught the eye across the continent, despite his tender age, with comparisons drawn to former Spain star Gerard Pique.
The Dutch-born Spaniard has expressed his excitement at the attention coming in from prestigious clubs, including Carlo Ancelotti's side, with reports suggesting he may eventually return to Spain.
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Is Huijsen joining Real Madrid?
Real Madrid's interest is not concrete at this stage, despite Ancelotti's eagerness to improve his backline, with main focus still trained on securing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
That uncertainty could play to Chelsea's advantage, with Enzo Maresca already securing the additions of Dario Essugo and Geovany Quenda, and speed off the mark could prove key in the race for Huijsen.
Although Liverpool remain in the race for Huijsen, Arne Slot will wait for an update on Virgil van Dijk's future before making a decision on his defensive options, with Ibrahima Konate also potentially moving on.
MORE: Triple injury boost for Chelsea ahead of London derby clash vs. Tottenham
Myron Braganza is a content producer for The Sporting News working across English-language editions.
A full-of-life Chelsea fanatic who lives and breathes football—his heart beats blue. But here’s the twist: he refuses to own any Chelsea merchandise, all due to a quirky superstition.
Weekends find him glued to the screen, heart racing, cheering for his beloved Blues, while weekdays are spent hunting for hidden football talent. When he’s not immersed in the beautiful game, Myron’s a passionate bookworm, food explorer, and techno lover, always chasing the next thrill or hidden eatery to satisfy his adventurous soul.
English (US)