Dean Huijsen AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth
Dean Huijsen has made an outstanding start to his career in England, and within just a few months, the 19-year-old has caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
In his first Premier League season, the young centre-back has showcased immense potential, and with a release clause of just about €66 million, he has is set to become one of the most sought-after defensive prospects. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all monitoring his progress, while European powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG have also been keeping a close eye on him.
Who is Dean Huijsen?
Born in the Netherlands, Dean Huijsen is a product of Juventus’ youth academy and made the switch to AFC Bournemouth last summer from AS Roma. While initially representing the Netherlands at the U19 level, he has since switched allegiances to the Spain U21 national team.
Primarily a centre-back, Huijsen has quickly adapted to the physicality of the Premier League, making 18 appearances in his debut season. He is highly composed on the ball, possesses excellent game-reading abilities, and combines strong tackling with impressive aerial dominance. He has won 78% of his contested tackles and 58% of his aerial duels.
Huijsen’s composure under pressure is another standout quality. In 1,240 minutes of league football, he has yet to be dispossessed and has only been dribbled past six times. His unique blend of size, agility, and technical ability has drawn comparisons to Matthijs de Ligt and Raphaël Varane which is an incredible compliment for someone who’s still a teenager.
Will Huijsen Secure a Big Move This Summer?
Huijsen’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, and if he maintains his current trajectory, a move away from Bournemouth seems inevitable.
Dean Huijsen has €66 million release clause represents incredible value in today’s market, especially for Europe’s elite clubs who are in search of defensive reinforcements. Bournemouth have performed exceptionally well this season as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League and are in contention for a European spot. However, it will be incredibly difficult for them to retain their prized asset beyond the summer.
With his contract running until 2030, Bournemouth may try to hold onto him, but given the level of interest from major clubs, Huijsen could soon be taking the next major leap in his professional career.