Dean Huijsen has become one of the most talked-about names in the European soccer scene. The young center-back, born in the Netherlands but trained in Spanish soccer, has found the Premier League to be the perfect showcase to show his enormous potential. He is currently playing for Bournemouth, where Andoni Iraola hasn't hesitated to give him important minutes since the start of the season, The Basque coach's commitment to Dean Huijsen has been total.
The defender has shown a maturity beyond his years, delivering notable performances both in defensive duties and in ball distribution. His game reading, dominant physique, and composure in decision-making have placed him on the radar of several European giants. Among them are names like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United, three clubs that have reportedly initiated contacts to understand his situation for the summer.
Despite the growing interest from England, the focus around Dean Huijsen has also shifted to Spain. It's no wonder, considering that the player was trained at Málaga CF before making the leap abroad. His past in the Málaga youth academy and his identification with the Andalusian club have made him a very attractive profile for the biggest teams in LaLiga.
Battle Among the Big Three
So much so, that clubs like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético de Madrid have reportedly taken note of his development. The big three are keeping an eye on the future of some of their center-backs, and this is where the possibility of incorporating the Spaniard comes into play. Araujo may leave Barça, Real Madrid have doubts about Militao's return, and at Atlético, both Axel Witsel and César Azpilicueta will leave the club this summer.
In the case of FC Barcelona, it has been Deco de Souza who has started to closely follow the defender's progress. The blaugrana technical secretary believes that Huijsen perfectly fits the profile of the modern center-back that the Catalan club is looking for. Anticipation ability, good aerial play, clean distribution from the back, and versatility in the defensive line are qualities that make him ideal for the Barça style.
Huijsen Isn't Sure
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also keeping a close eye on his development, in a recent interview given to the program Los Amigos de Edu. Huijsen himself didn't hide his admiration for the white team, stating that he would like to wear their jersey at some point. These words haven't gone unnoticed in Valdebebas, where there is already internal debate about the potential signing of the promising defender.
However, Huijsen also made it clear that he feels an affinity for FC Barcelona, which puts a possible direct battle between the two giants for his arrival on the table. Despite having a preference for Málaga CF, a team he feels very connected to due to his formative years, the center-back has publicly acknowledged that he would like to return to Spain.
Finally, Atlético de Madrid aren't losing track of him either, although they are aware of the enormous difficulty in signing him. Not only because of the competition from Real Madrid and Barça, but also from clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, or Liverpool, who want the defender.