Real Madrid is not having an easy time assembling a defense up to par this season. Rüdiger and Militão were the starting center-back pair, but the Brazilian suffered a long-term injury and his absence was joined by David Alaba, who would recover months later. All these unfortunate events led Carlo Ancelotti to use the reserve team, where Raúl Asencio has been the big surprise, fulfilling and standing out in the starting role.
The problem lies in the fact that the season is very long, and the list of center-backs has been getting shorter due to various issues. One of those who was holding up the most until now was Rüdiger, who has recently been showing extreme fatigue. He is currently suffering from a flu process, possibly missing the match against Rayo Vallecano, crucial in La Liga and prior to the Champions League.
Florentino is tired of the situation and understands that he needs to remedy it for the next season. It is necessary to incorporate another top-level center-back, and he intends to dig into his pocket.
No more patches: if either Rüdiger or Asencio falls, the defense is left in shambles and has serious problems. It is unknown how Eder Militão will return from his second serious injury, while Alaba is getting older and raises serious doubts.
Florentino finds Rüdiger's replacement: Dean Huijsen
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that Florentino has already decided who will be his main target for the next season. We are talking about Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old footballer currently playing for Bournemouth, whose release clause is 60 million euros.
Dean Huijsen is having a great season and has become the trending defender in Europe and he has attracted the interest of the biggest clubs. Florentino Pérez doesn't want to lose the strategic signing of a two-footed player who can occupy both positions in the center of the defense. He will soon debut with Spain's national team and he can't be lost, and the president has taken action.
There is no doubt in Madrid, and Dean Huijsen has been identified as the top priority for the summer. The Spaniard fits into Florentino Pérez's long-term signing policy and is considered a priority player. It won't be easy, as several big European clubs are also closely following him and are willing to offer him a much higher salary.
Dean Huijsen meets all the requirements that Real Madrid has in the search for a new defender. Good ball distribution, good aerial play, young, and with the profile to make his entire career at Bernabéu.
He is the chosen one, there is no doubt, and he is considered the ideal future partner for Asencio. It won't be easy, though, as there will be a battle to sign him.