Real Madrid has started a complete reconstruction of its defensive line this season. The arrival of Dean Huijsen, who is only 20 years old, is set to mark a turning point in the planning that will be done every summer at Bernabéu. He has arrived with authority and a desire to take over the center of the defense, as his current ambition has shown.
David Alaba, sentenced
"The Athletic" has revealed that Dean Huijsen arrives eager to make history at Madrid, and this also involves the choice of his jersey number. He is the newcomer and has had to take one of the few numbers that were available so far, 24, but he has big plans for the future.
The aforementioned report has made it clear that the Spain international would be "delighted" to wear the number 4 in the future. That is the number his idol, Sergio Ramos, wore match after match at Santiago Bernabéu. He wants to follow in his footsteps and intends to claim it sooner rather than later.
This ambition would directly involve the departure of David Alaba. At the moment, the Austrian defender is the current holder of the number 4. But it seems that won't be the case for much longer. His contract ends in 2026 and there is no intention to renew it, with Florentino Pérez choosing to let him leave on a free transfer.
A problem
The truth is that Alaba has become a real problem for Real Madrid. Florentino has tried to get rid of him this summer, but it hasn't been possible. The Austrian has rejected all the offers he has received, even the termination of his contract. He feels capable of regaining his form this season and has conveyed this at all times.
David Alaba has one of the highest salaries on the squad and is not in Xabi Alonso's plans. The new coach is clear that his undisputed starter is Dean Huijsen and is looking for his ideal partner. Alaba has many physical problems, Asencio doesn't convince him, Rüdiger doesn't quite fit... He is trying to recover the best version of Militao.
It won't be an easy campaign in the defensive line, but the first important move has been made and that is Dean Huijsen. From there, they will have to fit the rest of the pieces together to find him the best possible partner. There is a clear spoiler: that won't be Alaba, his days at Real Madrid are numbered...