Dean Huijsen has become the true leader of Real Madrid's defense. The center-back arrived this summer from Bournemouth. Florentino Pérez paid €58 million for him and, for now, the investment seems more than justified.
Huijsen has achieved the most difficult thing: convincing Xabi Alonso from day one. The coach considers him the marshal of his defensive line. His composure, ball distribution, and character have won over Santiago Bernabéu.
The big question now is who should be his partner. Last season, Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger filled that position. However, neither has fully earned the Basque coach's trust.
Huijsen, the future bet of Real Madrid
With Xabi Alonso already thinking about next season, it seems inevitable to look for a new reliable center-back to complement him. The defense needs stability and continuity. Florentino Pérez wants to give his coach all the tools to compete at the highest level.
Everything suggests there will be major departures. Unless there's a surprise, both Rüdiger and David Alaba will leave the club when the season ends. Their contracts expire and the board has decided not to renew them.
Therefore, bringing in a new partner for Huijsen has become an absolute priority. The names on the list are top-level.
Florentino's favorites to strengthen the defense
The first on the list is Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool's center-back, who is highly regarded by the sporting management. His contract is ending and he could arrive as a free agent. It's a very attractive market opportunity to strengthen the backline with a proven footballer.
The second candidate is Marc Guéhi, Crystal Palace's defender. He is in a similar contractual situation, which significantly lowers the cost of the operation. His physical and technical attributes fit what Xabi Alonso is looking for.
The third is the most desired, but also the most complicated: William Saliba. The Frenchman, currently at Arsenal, has reiterated his desire to stay in London, but Real Madrid isn't giving up.
Real Madrid thinks about the immediate future
Florentino Pérez knows that strengthening the defense is as important as securing goals. Defensive solidity has been key in the club's history. That's why no resources will be spared to guarantee a partner worthy of Huijsen.
The intention is to finalize the signing before next summer begins. Xabi Alonso wants to have the full preseason to work with his new defensive partner. The challenge will be to convince one of these three names.
Whether it's Konaté, Guéhi, or Saliba, what's clear is that Dean Huijsen won't be alone much longer. Real Madrid has already made a firm decision. Next season, the tall center-back will have a top-level partner to support Xabi Alonso's project.