Maresca could get a defensive bargainMaresca could get a defensive bargain
Maresca could get a defensive bargain | Getty Images
Chelsea are being linked with a move for a Premier League defender, and they now know how much they will have to pay.
Chelsea have received a boost in their reported bid to land a new centre-back this summer. The Blues are expected to be in the market for a defender this summer as they look to add depth following a more injury issues for Wesley Fofana this season.
Trevoh Chalobah was recalled from Crystal Palace in January to help cover, but it’s no secret that Chelsea want more at centre-back, and along with a winger and a striker, it will be one of the areas they look to address this summer.
A number of centre-backs have been linked, including Palace’s Marc Guehi, while there have also been rumours of interest in AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who is also reportedly being watched by Bayern Munich and others. At just 19 years of age, Huijsen suits the profile Chelsea are currently looking for, with the Blues having concentrated on younger talent over recent times.
Huijsen has been key to Bournemouth’s success this season despite his youth, making 23 Premier League appearances. He is already valued at £35.3million by Transfermarkt, but given his potential, he is likely to cost much more than that. The Cherries also have the defender tied down to a contract until 2030, but they are not totally in control of the transfer fee.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed there is a release clause in the deal that will be available to all teams, even those in the Premier League. Romano wrote on X: “£50m release clause for Dean Huijsen revealed last month becomes active already this summer. It’s valid for all clubs, no limits… and the movements around the defender have already started.”
A fee of £50million would allow Chelsea to save serious money, given Guehi would cost at least £65million if not more this summer.
Huijsen looks up to Sergio Ramos as his idol, previously telling Revelo: “My idol is Sergio Ramos, he’s a reference. For me, he’s the best CB in history. He has everything, he’s a legend”