Chelsea and Liverpool are ‘battling it out to sign £50m-rated Bournemouth star’ – but ‘face fierce competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid’
Chelsea and Liverpool are both in the running to sign breakthrough Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, according to reports.
Huijsen, 19, left Juventus to join Bournemouth on the south coast last summer and has since caught attention with his impressive performances at centre-back.
Despite not even completing one full season with Andoni Iraola’s side, Bournemouth are already anticipating offers from Europe’s biggest clubs this summer.
The Dutch-born Spanish international’s departure looks likely due to a £50m release clause in his contract, a relative bargain for a teenager set for a long sparkling career.
Now, according to The Independent, both Chelsea and Liverpool have identified Huijsen as a potential resolve for their respective centre-back dilemmas.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is yet to sign a new deal at Anfield – with his contract set to expire this summer – worrying some Reds fans.
Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen has become of Europe’s most sought-after prospects
Both Enzo Maresca (left) and Arne Slot (right) are keen on signing the Bournemouth star
The Dutchman, who has been a key part of Liverpool’s backline since 2018, has since entered the twilight of his career and Huijsen’s signature is seen as a potential long-term replacement.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s first choice partnership of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill looks good on paper, but both stars have been plagued by injuries in recent years.
The Blues have reportedly made more progress with the deal, but they will be fighting against Liverpool and Real Madrid to seal a move for Huijsen.
While Los Blancos are yet to formally start discussions, they reportedly feel confident that they can secure his signature given their global stature.
Bournemouth’s Huijsen was born in Amsterdam to Dutch parents but gained Spanish citizenship in February 2024 after moving to Marbella as a five-year-old, progressing through the Malaga youth team.
Despite playing for the Netherlands at various youth international levels, Huijsen opted to play for Spain at senior level, making his debut against his birth country in the UEFA Nations League in March.
The 19-year-old has made 23 appearances in the league for the Cherries in this campaign, notching two goals along the way.
