Arsenal and Man Utd target Dean Huijsen responds to heavyweight transfer interest
A string of big clubs want the Cherries star.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has been linked with a string of Europe’s biggest clubs, saying it is a ‘source of pride’ to be touted as a future Real Madrid player.
Still just 19 years old, the centre-back came through the youth ranks at Malaga before moving to Juventus where he made his professional debut.
The teenager had a spell on loan at Roma before moving to Bournemouth last summer, signing a six-year contract with the Cherries.
He has taken to the Premier League impressively, making 23 appearances in the top flight during a great season for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Premier League giants including Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest in the defender, as have Real Madrid.
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Huijsen has been called up for the Spain senior side for the first time and has responded to the link with the giants from the capital, admitting that is a special feeling.
‘It’s a source of pride to have such a big team interested in you; it’s special and means you’re doing well,’ he told Spanish publication Relevo.
Huijsen had a chance to join Real Madrid when he moved to Juventus in 2021 but opted for the Italian job.
‘I think it was a measured decision,’ he explained. ‘I wanted to go to Juventus because of Italy’s reputation, where [Giorgio] Chiellini, [Leonardo] Bonucci, [Andrea] Barzagli, and other historic centre-backs were.
‘I wanted to learn defensive skills, which you also learn in Spain, but you work harder there. I think it was the right decision.
‘You never know how it would have gone [at Real Madrid], it was a very good option, but at that time I thought the best thing for me was to learn a little bit about the defensive side and I think I’ve learned it.’
If Real Madrid do come calling for Huijsen then he will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of a player he describes as his idol.
‘Sergio Ramos, for me, was the best centre-back in history,’ said the Bournemouth man. ‘He had everything. He was good at getting the ball out, he was aggressive defensively, a leader, he scored goals, and he was important for the team.
‘He’s also from the south, like me. I think we’re a bit similar.’
Bournemouth signed Huijsen on what appears to be a bargain deal worth an initial £12.8m, which could rise to £15.3m with add-ons.
The talented defender reportedly has a release clause in his contract with the Cherries worth £50m, which becomes active in the next transfer window.
Iraola has spoken out about Huijsen’s best qualities, saying: ‘I think his mentality, his head. I think he’s confident. He is not afraid of marking any forward and I think he’s calm on the ball.
‘He knows what he’s doing, he’s under control. Sometimes he will make mistakes like all the others, but there is always a reason for the things he does.
‘And for someone that is 19, it’s really strange to find this at this level.’
