Chelsea’s transfer policy under owner Todd Boehly has seen them sign plenty of under-21 starlets over the past few years. It has been a real focus of the Blues since Boehly became the majority owner at Stamford Bridge, with one of the best examples being Cole Palmer, who Jamie Carragher said in October is “the best player in the Premier League”.
However, the England international, who has been sensational in a Chelsea shirt, is not the only under-21 to excel at Stamford Bridge. One example would be Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia, described as “one of the best midfielders” when at full fitness by manager Enzo Maresca.
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Well, Chelsea could be looking to add to the list of talented players to join the club as an under-21, if one transfer rumour is to be believed.
Chelsea’s latest under-21 transfer target
As we know, the Blues have not been afraid to bring highly-rated young players. 2025 will be no exception, with deals for attacking pair Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian, plus young midfielder Dario Essugo, already agreed.
The next player to add to that list could be Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old Bournemouth centre-back has been linked with the Blues by Fabrizio Romano. The highly-reputable journalist reports the Blues are ‘ready to trigger’ Huijsen’s £50m release clause, and are looking to do the deal in the next month or so.
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However, they are not the only side that will try to sign Huijsen. The Spain international is also a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid, and the Blues’ Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool will also look to trigger his release clause.
Why Huijsen would be a good signing
There is no doubt that winning the race to sign Huijsen this summer will be tough for Chelsea, but if they manage it, they will be adding an elite talent to their squad. The Spaniard is a “sensational” player, according to football analyst Ben Mattinson.
He has been a pivotal figure at the back for the Cherries this season, who have been excellent in the top flight. He has featured in 34 games across all competitions, notching up 30 of those in the top flight, managing to score three times, too.
AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen during the warm up before the match
Chelsea will surely be encouraged by the fact that the 20-year-old machine has been part of one of the Premier League’s best defences this season. According to Sofascore, the 43 goals Bournemouth have conceded are bettered by just two sides, and they have kept eight clean sheets.
Signing Huijsen this summer could be ideal for the West Londoners if they miss out on signing Marc Guehi. According to a recent report from TEAMTalk, Newcastle United have ‘leapfrogged’ Chelsea in the race to sign their former academy star from Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi celebrates after the match
Just like Bournemouth’s Spanish defender, Guehi has been a key man at the heart of the Eagles' defence, in what has been a fantastic season so far.
He has played 43 games across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and helping lead his side to an FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
Cost will surely not be a factor in the Blues’ decision this summer. There is just £4m difference between the pair, given Palace reportedly want £46m for Guehi. Thus, it seems like a decision Chelsea will surely make based on who they think is a better player.
The stats on FBref actually suggest that Huijsen might be a better signing than Guehi for the Blues. For example, in the Premier League this season, the Cherries defender averages 3.33 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to 2.62 tackles and interceptions each game for Huijsen.
Huijsen vs. Guehi key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Progressive passes
Tackles and interceptions
Clearances
Progressive carries
Aerial duels won
Stats from FBref
There is certainly plenty of evidence to support the fact that Huijsen would be a better addition to the playing staff at Stamford Bridge. His quality in and out of possession would certainly raise the ceiling in West London.
Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen celebrates after the match
Although £50m is a sizeable amount of money to invest, there is no doubt about the quality of player Chelsea would be signing.
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Chelsea could be about to land a star who become Enzo Maresca's new star man in the final third.