Dean Huijsen, a promising 20-year-old defender, has emerged as a key player for Bournemouth after his transfer from Juventus in the summer of 2024. The club stole a march to win Huijsen for a paltry £12 million. His subsequent market value has shot up to £50 million, making him one of Europe’s most sought after young defenders.
Huijsen, who previously made one appearance for Juventus and 13 appearances for Roma during the 2023/24 season, has quickly established himself in the Premier League. His big time performances have made national by storm. It’s no wonder that big clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs are all keeping a close eye on the talented star. Top clubs such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are said to be keenly looking to signing him.
Bournemouth currently boasts the joint fourth-best home defensive record in the Premier League, thanks in large part to Huijsen’s partnership with 22-year-old Illia Zabarnyi. In combination, they make the league’s youngest centre-back pairing, but they’ve been the best duo at the back, showcasing incredible chemistry and defensive prowess on the pitch. Their dependable partnership is a key reason why Bournemouth has consistently been one of the league’s best defenses this season.
In his year-and-a-half in Bournemouth, Huijsen has made the Cherries defense considerably more solid. That’s in large part because he’s been a game-changing addition to their offense. Not only has he scored goals, but he’s helped secure a number of clean sheets, proving his ability as a multi-faceted defender. It’s his calm on the ball that stands out most, a quality that has become indispensable to top defenders in the modern game.
As his developing performances draw the gaze of some of the game’s biggest clubs, Huijsen is ever-anchored to the task that awaits him now. He stated, “I don’t really focus on it, now is not the time, I’m just focused on finishing the season well.” This attitude is a testament to his commitment and an eagerness to help Bournemouth thrive, an ambition echoed throughout his playing career as well.
It’s only a matter of time before a top club activates the £50 million release clause in his contract. That’s bound to change during the next summer transfer window. If that’s the case, then Bournemouth will be hard pressed to retain their defensive gem. Just don’t forget that more and more teams are competing for his services.
Huijsen is hellbent on ensuring he makes a long-term mark at Bournemouth too. “I’m just focused on making history at this club,” he expressed, highlighting his ambition to leave a legacy with the team.
The young defender’s rise to prominence illustrates not only his individual talent but Bournemouth’s strategic decision-making in the transfer market. Their investment in Huijsen has clearly paid off, as the club has already locked up a player who is absolutely essential to their back line. Importantly, he doesn’t just have a good track record.
In appreciation of the new season, keep your eyes on Dean Huijsen. So he’s not only developing his craft as an amateur player, but he’s developing through the killer pressure from some of Europe’s top clubs pursuing him. With Bournemouth’s inexperienced defence, his performances will be crucial for Bournemouth. They have ambitions of remaining established in the top tier and challenging for places in Europe in the future.
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