Real Madrid
Who is Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid’s defensive signing target who already turned them down?
Madrid have identified a number of players as they look to strengthen in defence, including a rising star with Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Real Madrid are working to rebuild their defence, weakened by serious injuries to David Alaba, Dano Carvajal, and Eder Militão, Nacho’s departure, Jesús Vallejo’s inconsistent presence, and a hesitation to fully commit to youngster Raúl Asencio. Two top options for the full-back positions (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies) and a select list of central defenders are being considered. Among those, Dean Huijsen, playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League, stands out.
Why Dean Huijsen already turned down Real Madrid
The towering defender 6’6″ defender, who holds dual Spanish-Dutch nationality, has been on Los Blancos' radar for years. Having come through Málaga’s youth academy, he caught the eye of scouts from a young age.
At 16, after receiving offers from giants like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Huijsen had to choose between the two most persistent suitors: Madrid and Juventus. He opted for Italy, to learn more about tactics and defensive concepts, swayed by Juve’s medium- and long-term personal development project.
Huijsen’s progress has exceeded expectations, which has seen his scouting report move back onto the table of those who call the shots in terms of player recruitment in the Spanish capital. His performances in the Premier League for Bournemouth, where he moved last summer from Juventus for €15 million ($15.62 million) plus €3 million ($3.12 million) in variables, have reignited Real Madrid’s interest.
The 19-year-old, who spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Roma at the request of José Mourinho, is also a member of Spain’s U-21 team and is expected to join the senior squad soon.
The teenager is represented by his father, Donny Huijsen, a former forward who played professionally in the Netherlands. Huijsen Sr, who had initially hope his son would follow in his footsteps as a striker, has turned down the advanced of numerous agents and decided to manage the younger’s career for now, with occasional help from advisor Alex Santisteban and a trusted lawyer for legal matters.
Huijsen’s career to date: from Italy to the Premier League
Huijsen Jr, who considers himself both a Málaga native and is a fan of the city’s soccer club, debuted with Juventus’ first team at 18. He is a two-footed defender who possesses excellent ball distribution, aerial prowess, and strong personality.
He has been capped 18 times by the Netherlands’ youth teams and has since made six appearances for Spain’s U-21 team.
Huijsen’s market value is rising (currently valued at €18 million / $18.74 million on Transfermarkt), and Bournemouth are unlikely to sell him cheaply. Real Madrid are giving serious consideration to pursuing the defender, who could help solidify their backline for a number years and potentially start the long-desired “Spanishization” of the squad.
The Role is Key
Before making a move, however, doubts linger on both sides. Real Madrid, more hesitant than Barcelona when it comes to giving a chance to young talents, are not yet fully convinced that the promising defender can be a starter in the short term.
Additionally, Huijsen wouldn’t accept a role in which he is seen as a backup, which could hinder his rapid development as an elite footballer.
After a period of adaptation, Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola has started to fully trust him in the Premier League, and Huijsen is responding perfectly (with four consecutive starts, in which he has even scored two goals).
Clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United are beginning to inquire about his contractual situation, though no formal offers have been made yet. Real Madrid’s top brass is debating whether now is the right time to make a move, knowing that such an operation would be much more complex in the future.
Coaches like Max Allegri and Mourinho, who have worked with Huijsen, predict a bright future. The Portuguese, who was particularly insistent on taking him to Roma on loan from Juventus, went even further in his prediction: “He’s one of the most talented center-backs in Europe. One day, he’ll become a top player. I have no doubt he’ll be one of the best defenders in the world,” said the now Fenerbahçe manager.
Real Madrid out to avoid Lenny Yoro repeat
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez, CEO José Ángel Sánchez, and Head Scout Juni Calafat are determined to avoid a repeat of the Lenny Yoro situation.
Yoro had been identified as a key target and had been in negotiations with the LaLiga giants but ended up moving to Old Trafford due to Manchester United’s financial muscle, which saw them pay €63 million ($65.6 million) to Lille (more than double what Madrid offered) plus a €9 million ($9.37 million) salary for the French defender.
What other central defenders are on Real Madrid’s radar?
In Real Madrid’s list of potential central defenders, names like Aymeric Laporte (ruled out due to age and price), William Saliba (unattainable due to his high cost), Palmeiras’ gem Vitor Reis (one of Juni Calafat’s favorites), and Huijsen stand out. The latter is a promising talent whose immediate future points to a major European club. Real Madrid is keenly watching and ready to make a move.
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