His name doesn't resonate much yet, but a couple of years ago he started making noise. He's only 19 years old and already a veteran. He's the trending center-back in the Premier League.
He is one of the footballers that Real Madrid's technical department is following very closely. Every week, reports arrive about his performance in the Premier League.
His name is Dean Huijsen, a name and surname that will soon become trendy. Especially if he maintains the progression shown so far.
Dutch with a Spanish Passport
He plays for the modest Bournemouth of Andoni Iraola, sixth in the Premier League table, one point away from the Champions League zone.
Dean Huijsen is only 19 years old, stands 6 ft. 6 in. (1.97 meters) tall and is the trending center-back in the Premier League.
He was born in Amsterdam, but his family moved to Marbella when he was just 5 years old. And in Málaga, he was trained as a footballer. Not in vain, his father had already played in the Eredivisie.
In 2021, he went to Juventus, which loaned him to Roma. And then, Bournemouth, which paid 16 million for him.
He played in the lower categories of the Netherlands (under 16, under 17, and under 18). But in February of this year, he swore the Spanish constitution. Meanwhile, he is available to Luis De la Fuente to play for La Roja, something likely to happen in the next draft.
Better Than Cubarsí?
In March of last year, he already debuted with the Spanish under-21 against Slovakia. He has taken the reverse path of Brahim with Morocco, switching from the Netherlands to Spain.
He is still in time to change his mind and continue his international career with the Netherlands, but he is clear: he is from Málaga and a Málaga fan.
He is an ambidextrous center-back, with ball control, speed, strength, and exceptional aerial play.
Dean Huijsen - Season Highlights | 2024
Huijsen is the center-back of the future. And Real Madrid knows it. His stature resembles more that of Raphael Varane, and time will tell if he is better than Cubarsí.
Real Madrid Bets on Huijsen
On paper, Real Madrid seems more in need of a center-back with a future and for many years.
He has a contract with Bournemouth until 2030 and his valuation on transfermarkt is 18 million euros. Bournemouth will ask for more, much more.
But Real Madrid will pay whatever it takes because his position is vital. And Ancelotti has serious problems with injuries there.
The operation could go up to 80 million euros, but the white club is willing to invest in a young Spanish talent with many years ahead.
Eduardo Inda echoed last night on El Chiringuito the interest of Real Madrid in the player: "Real Madrid needs center-backs. One that was very liked was Laporte, but it wasn't possible because the cost was very high. The Saudis paid 30 million and pay him 20 million net."
The New Varane of Real Madrid
And he added: "but there is a younger alternative, with more potential and who is succeeding in the lower national teams. And Luis de la Fuente loves him, who will go to the World Cup, and Real Madrid likes him a lot. It's Huijsen."
Eduardo Inda explained that "he was born in Holland, to Dutch parents, but has lived his whole life in Marbella. In the Under-21, he switched to playing with Spain. He is one of the great promises of Spanish soccer."
Real Madrid knows they have a center-back for years with Raúl Asencio. And they are looking for a partner who can share the center of the defense with him for many seasons.
Bournemouth paid 16 million to Roma for him. And it is said that he has a release clause with Bournemouth of 50 million euros. At Real Madrid, they already see him as the new Varane of the next decade.