FC Barcelona already has its main target defined to strengthen the central defense in case of a departure. Dean Huijsen, one of the defensive revelations of the Premier League, has been chosen by Deco as a strategic bet for the future. At just 19 years old, his profile fits perfectly with the new blaugrana sports model.
The sports management has been following him for months and has already initiated contacts with his entourage. The problem is not the interest, but the economic context. This is where a key name in the operation comes in: Ronald Araújo.
Araújo, the Key to the Operation
Deco has been very clear in internal meetings: if Araújo stays, there will be no signing of Huijsen. The club's salary structure and spending limit do not allow for a 50 million operation without first generating income. Among all the defenders in the squad, only the Uruguayan can leave a sum that justifies the investment.
Barça trusts it can earn between 65 and 70 million from his sale, a figure already being considered by clubs like Bayern Munich and Liverpool. With that money, the plan would be to strengthen several areas, but the signing of Huijsen would be a priority. The sale, if completed, would occur before the Euro Cup.
Dean Huijsen has exploded this season at Bournemouth, where he has become an undisputed starter. His ball play, clean exit from the back, and tactical reading have caught the attention of several European giants. Despite his young age, he shows a maturity unusual for his age.
Barça sees him as an ideal complement to Pau Cubarsí, forming a future pair in defense. They both understand each other well and are projected as starters in the Spanish under-21 team. The idea is to consolidate a national and young defense for the next five years.
Clause and Conditions of the Signing
Bournemouth has priced his departure at 50 million euros. They do not intend to negotiate down, as they have offers from clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund. Barça, if it completes the sale of Araújo, plans to pay that amount in two installments and with performance bonuses.
As for the contract, Huijsen would sign with Barça until June 2030, with an initial net salary of 4 million per season, which would progressively increase. Additionally, it would include a release clause of 400 million, as part of the new long-term protection policy.
Hansi Flick has given the green light to the operation, convinced that Huijsen can quickly adapt to his system. His ability to start the play from the back, combined with his physique, makes him compatible with any scheme. In a locker room aiming to rejuvenate, his incorporation would have an immediate impact.
Meanwhile, Deco considers it a market opportunity that can't be missed. Although there are other priorities like the '9' or a midfielder, the club doesn't want to lose ground to Real Madrid, which is also closely following him. The sooner action is taken, the better.
The Future Depends on a Decision
Everything is conditioned on the departure of Ronald Araújo. If the club accepts one of the offers that will arrive in the summer, Huijsen will be the first to land. If that sale doesn't occur, it will be impossible to compete for him.
In Barça's offices, it is already clear: Dean Huijsen is the center-back of the future. The only thing left is to take the step.