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European giants reportedly lining up to sign rising Premier League star
Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth. News Images

European giants reportedly lining up to sign rising Premier League star

A fierce transfer battle is emerging for Bournemouth rising star Dean Huijsen, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs reportedly vying for the signature of the highly rated 20-year-old centre-back.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all reportedly keeping close tabs on the Spanish international, who has enjoyed a standout debut campaign in the Premier League.

Huijsen arrived at the Vitality Stadium from Juventus in July 2024 in a deal worth approximately $15M intially. Since then, the former Malaga academy player has cemented himself as one of the most promising young defenders in the division, making 25 appearances and scoring twice.

Confident in possession, dominant aerially and tactically astute, Huijsen has quickly become a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s defense, helping the Cherries to eight clean sheets in a solid campaign.

His performances have attracted widespread attention. The Spain international is now at the center of what could be a major summer tug-of-war, with several elite clubs prepared to activate his $66M release clause — reportedly payable in three installments.

Chelsea is believed to be among the most aggressive suitors, with the Blues eager to finalize a deal ahead of this summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. With an eye on youth-focused squad building, Huijsen is seen as a long-term fixture in Chelsea’s defensive plans.

The London club is also reportedly weighing up moves for several attacking reinforcements, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and Lille forward Jonathan David.

Bayern Munich, long an admirer of Huijsen’s development, is also firmly in the race. The Bundesliga champions have been impressed by his two-footedness and positional awareness, though a move may hinge on the futures of their current centre-backs.

Real Madrid also remains a serious contender. Huijsen, who made his senior debut for Spain in March 2025, has family roots in Madrid and previously trained in the country's academy system. 

However, a move back to the Spanish capital could depend on the club’s financial maneuverability in what is shaping up to be a busy window.

With Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle also monitoring developments, Bournemouth faces a tough challenge to hold on to its prized asset. As the summer nears, Huijsen looks destined to be one of the most sought-after names in the transfer market.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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