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Chelsea opens talks with talented young defender who’s his club’s youngest-ever captain
Chelsea were left bitterly disappointed last week as long-standing transfer target Dean Huijsen agreed a move to Real Madrid.
Los Blancos activated the Bournemouth defender’s £50 million release clause, securing the 20-year-old’s signature after a breakout season in the Premier League. Huijsen has been one of the league’s standout centre-backs, impressing with his composure, aerial dominance, and leadership at the heart of Bournemouth’s backline.
His performances have been pivotal in their unexpected push for European qualification and also earned him a call-up to the Spain national team.
Incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, a fellow Spaniard, is believed to have played a key role in convincing Huijsen to make the switch. The decision has left Chelsea, as well as other suitors like Liverpool and Manchester United, frustrated—especially given the Blues’ urgent need for defensive reinforcements after a disappointing season.
Though Huijsen has yet to comment publicly on the move, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that his mind was made up early.
“Dean Huijsen told Premier League clubs: ‘Thanks a lot, but I’m sorry: I WANT TO PLAY FOR REAL MADRID,'” Romano reported.
Chelsea Open Talks with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato
Hato is already a Netherlands international. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Wasting no time, Chelsea have already moved on to another defensive prospect: Jorrel Hato of Ajax.
According to a report from Caught Offside, the Blues have opened discussions over a potential £46 million transfer for the 19-year-old, who has captained Ajax this season and made 50 appearances across all competitions. Despite falling short of the Eredivisie title—pipped by PSV Eindhoven on the final day—Hato’s performances have been a major highlight in Ajax’s campaign.
Chelsea aren’t alone in their interest, with Arsenal and Liverpool also monitoring the situation. However, Chelsea are reportedly in the lead.
Kevin Lux, Transfermarkt’s Netherlands content manager, spoke highly of Hato’s all-around qualities: “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.”
He added: “He can dribble, pass, and see the game from the back line. On top of that, he continues to show the raw talent of a top-class defender.”
Hato certainly fits the bill for Chelsea’s transfer approach in recent seasons–young, talented, and with a high ceiling. You can’t help but feel, however, it’s experience that the Blues really need right now.
