Bournemouth’s in-demand defender Dean Huijsen is available for £50m this summer due to a release clause in his contract, with Newcastle United among six clubs with an eye on the 19-year-old.
The i Paper can reveal the Cherries rebuffed interest in the January transfer window for Huijsen, who has been one of the revelations for Andoni Iraola’s side this season.
Though there were no official bids for the Spain under-21 international, that was largely because Bournemouth made it clear they would not sell and risk derailing a campaign that has seen them surge into fifth place in the Premier League after 25 games.
But even with the prospect of European football becoming increasingly more likely, the club are realistic about their chances of keeping hold of him.
It is understood that Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle are the three English clubs with the most interest in Huijsen, while Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain – who have pivoted towards signing younger players – are also monitoring his availability.
Huijsen’s name has long been mentioned among recruitment executives as a player destined for big things. His former Roma coach Daniele De Rossi said he could be one of the best centre-backs in the world and his progress on the south coast has gone a long way to proving that prediction correct.
While it would be a blow to lose him, Bournemouth are aware their form has alerted other clubs to their best players, with Milos Kerkez also a target for Liverpool and interested in the prospect of joining the Reds. Unlike Huijsen, there is no release clause in his contract, which will give the Cherries more command over his valuation and future.
Though they are close to securing a contract extension for Fabian Schar, Newcastle need a fresh injection of energy into their centre-back options. The Magpies pursued Marc Guehi last summer but refused to meet Crystal Palace’s £65m asking price. A move for Huijsen, though, would appeal and Eddie Howe has long-standing links to Bournemouth.
Newcastle’s healthier Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) position in 2025 puts them in a strong position heading into the summer. Despite the lack of major signings since his arrival seven months ago, director of football Paul Mitchell is tweaking scouting systems while attempting to broker relationships that will put the club in with a shout of securing some of Europe’s best young talents. Huijsen would count on that front.
Given there is almost certain to be competition for many of Newcastle’s top targets – including soon to be out-of-contract Lille forward Jonathan David – they are understood to be compiling both a plan A that includes the possible selling point of European football and a plan B of choices they could sign if they do not qualify.
That process remains at an early stage but with more clarity over their available finances, the Magpies know they can compete for the likes of the coveted Huijsen – which is some consolation after a difficult 18 months from a recruitment perspective.
from Football - The i Paper https://ift.tt/mqh8PeQ
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