Dean Huijsen. (AFC Bournemouth/Getty)
Bournemouth standout Dean Huijsen reportedly has his heart set on staying in the Premier League, despite interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Relevo has reported that Huijsen’s €58million release (£50m/$63m) clause is seen as too expensive for Madrid’s hierarchy, with the club preferring to invest in areas higher up the pitch.
This could open the door for fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham, who have all expressed willingness to activate the clause. The 20-year-old made the switch to The Cherries last summer from Juventus for €15.2m and has emerged as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season.
Meteoric Rise
Huijsen’s performances have seen him earn him his first senior international call-up for Spain, debuting against his birth country the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-finals last month. Physically imposing and technically sound on the ball, the player ticks the boxes for many clubs in search of defensive cover.
The centre-back is said to be a childhood Real Madrid fan and is reportedly open to joining the club in the distant future. His plan for his immediate future, however, is said to be to further develop in the Premier League.
He is reportedly open to other destinations as well and won’t be short on suitors with over six clubs known to hold concrete interest in his services.
Spoiled for choice
Bayern Munich and PSG are also credited with interest in Huijsen, according to Goal. Bayern are said to be on the lookout for a young defender to build around, while PSG are also keen to splash the cash to strengthen their defensive ranks.
It is believed that soon to be Premier League champions Liverpool would have the advantage in the race for Huijsen’s signature, with the player previously stating his admiration for Reds captain Virgil Van Dijk. Huijsen named Van Dijk along with Spain greats Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique as defenders he looked up to during his career and could look to emulate a few of those men in his career moves.
Champions League football is also said to play a factor in any future decision, so Chelsea’s pursuit of a top-five finish could help in their bid to land the player. So too for Man United who, despite currently sitting in 14th place, could qualify for Europe’s top competition by winning the Europa League.
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