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Bournemouth’s rising star: Why Europe’s top clubs are tracking young Dean Huijsen?

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Bournemouth’s rising star: Why Europe’s top clubs are tracking young Dean Huijsen?
Bournemouth’s rising star: Why Europe’s top clubs are tracking young Dean Huijsen?

New Delhi: Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth have quietly been making the waves in this Premier League campaign and are pushing for a European spot. The Cherries have been in fantastic form this season and have snatched results against big and in form oppositions like Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. Much of the limelight has shone upon their attacking stars like Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert and Dango Ouattara but some of their defensive stars have been equally sensational, with one in particular catching people’s attention.

The club’s defensive sensation, Dean Huijsen, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young talents in European football. The 19-year-old, who arrived from Juventus for just £16 million, has seamlessly adapted to life in the Premier League, playing a pivotal role in the Cherries’ impressive season. His performances have caught the attention of footballing giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, all of whom see him as a long-term investment for their backline.

Now, fresh reports confirm that his contract includes a £50 million release clause, set to become active in the summer of 2025, making him an even more intriguing prospect on the transfer market. Huijsen’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Once considered a raw talent needing refinement, the towering 6’5″ centre-back has proven his doubters wrong with commanding displays in the Premier League. His defensive solidity, technical ability, and aerial dominance have made him an integral part of Andoni Iraola’s system.

A Rapid Rise from Juventus to Premier League Prominence

Bournemouth, currently punching above their weight in the league, may have pulled off one of the best bargains in recent transfer windows, but whether they can keep hold of their prized asset beyond next season remains a major question. Huijsen’s journey to the top has been unconventional to say the least. Born in Amsterdam, he moved to Spain at a young age and idolized Sergio Ramos, which is evident in his aggressive yet composed style of play.

Juventus identified his potential early and signed him from Málaga’s academy, seeing him as a future star in their defensive line. However, with the club undergoing a financial reshuffle, Huijsen was sacrificed to raise funds last summer, allowing Bournemouth to swoop in for what now looks like a masterstroke of a signing. Before his move to England, Huijsen had a brief but significant spell at AS Roma, where he gained valuable first-team experience under both José Mourinho and Daniele De Rossi.

Although he wasn’t a regular starter, he made his mark with key substitute appearances, showcasing his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. His technical quality even saw him deployed in midfield at times, further highlighting his versatility. While he was still raw defensively, his talent was undeniable, prompting Bournemouth to take a calculated gamble and it’s paying off spectacularly.

Why Are Europe’s Biggest Clubs Circling?

Huijsen has all the attributes of a modern centre-back. He combines physical presence with technical elegance, making him the perfect fit for teams that build from the back. His passing range, ability to carry the ball forward, and composure under pressure have drawn comparisons to top defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt. At Bournemouth, he has taken his game to another level. Since breaking into the starting XI, Huijsen has helped shore up the Cherries’ defense, contributing to multiple clean sheets and even chipping in with crucial goals.

His defensive stats are particularly impressive with the 18-year-old winning nearly 75% of his tackles, excelling in aerial duels, and showcasing intelligent positioning. His impact has been so profound that Bournemouth have conceded fewer goals this season than traditionally stronger defensive teams like Manchester City and Chelsea. The interest from Europe’s elite comes as no surprise given his power packed performances for the Cherries.

Both Chelsea and Real Madrid, in particular, have been focusing on acquiring young talent with high potential, and Huijsen fits that mold perfectly. With club legend Sergio Ramos as his idol, a move to the Bernabéu could be a dream scenario for the young defender whereas given Chelsea’s lack of quality at the back, Huijsen could become a regular starter at the club from the get go. Any club he wishes to sign for, Huijsen’s future looks bright in the beautiful game.

What does the release clause mean for his future?

The revelation of Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, which will become active in the summer of 2025, adds an interesting dynamic to his future. If he continues his upward trajectory, that fee could look like a bargain for clubs vying for his signature. For Bournemouth, this means they have a crucial window to either maximize their gains or convince Huijsen to extend his stay.

If Bournemouth manage to qualify for European competition, they may have a stronger case to keep him for another season. However, with elite clubs circling, Huijsen may be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football and the opportunity to compete for major trophies. His rapid adaptation to the Premier League, coupled with his immense potential, makes him one of the most exciting young defenders in world football.

Bournemouth’s acquisition of the Dutch-Spanish prodigy may go down as one of the best pieces of business in recent history, but whether they can hold on to him for the long term remains to be seen. With almost all of Europe’s elite lurking, the battle for Huijsen’s signature is only just beginning and could be one to watch out for. While he would focus on finishing his season with a bang, there’ll be more sets of eyes cautiously watching the 18-year-old.

 Bournemouth have been having an exceptional campaign and a number of their top players are attracting interest following their push for Europe with 18-year-old Dean Huijsen emerging as a target for several top clubs.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today

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