Dean Huijsen. (AFC Bournemouth/Getty)
After a difficult season marked by injuries and inconsistency, Chelsea are looking to reinforce their defence this summer—and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has reportedly emerged as their top target.
According to The Independent, the Blues are prepared to trigger the Spanish centre-back’s £50 million release clause to bring him to Stamford Bridge. If signed, Huijsen would provide much-needed competition for the likes of Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile—three defenders who have each struggled with fitness issues and form in recent months.
Huijsen, who has also drawn interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, remained tight-lipped when asked about his future during an interview last month.
“I’m very calm. I don’t really focus on it. Now is not the time. I’m just focused on finishing the season well,” the 20-year-old told Sky Sports, as reported by Everything Chelsea.
He added that his father, who also serves as his agent, is handling all transfer-related matters: “My dad is my agent, he fixes everything. I don’t read anything, I don’t think about it too much. I’m just focusing on my football and working hard.”
When pressed about his reported release clause, Huijsen kept it brief: “I’m just focused on making history at this club.”
Chelsea Eye Hato as Backup Option
While Chelsea appear to be leading the race for Huijsen, they have identified a promising alternative should the deal fall through. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the club is also tracking Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.
“Chelsea and other clubs are waiting for Dean Huijsen’s decision,” Romano said in his latest podcast. “Chelsea and Liverpool also have Jorrel Hato on their list if they don’t get Huijsen.”
Despite being just 19, Hato has already established himself as a first-team regular at Ajax, making 48 appearances this season—mostly at left-back—and contributing three goals and six assists across all competitions.
Kevin Lux, Transfermarkt’s content manager for the Netherlands, has spoken highly of Hato’s development and maturity: “His physique is years ahead of him. He also has a lot of technical ability in his game, a quality that makes you very popular in Dutch football as a defender.”
Lux continued: “He can dribble, pass, and see the game from the defensive line. Apart from that, he still shows the talent of a great defender.”
While acknowledging that Hato is not yet the finished product, Lux noted his leadership qualities and high ceiling: “There are still some flaws and mistakes in his game, but that’s not unusual considering his age. He also is a born leader, proven by the fact that he already was captain at Ajax youth levels on several occasions. He has all the qualities of a potential world-class defender.”
He also compared Hato to Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber: “Hato is very comparable with Timber. Strong in defence, good vision and good passing. He likes to build attacks from the defensive line.”
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