Newcastle United want to sign Dean Huijsen this summer.
The Magpies are aiming to sign a right-sided centre-back when the transfer window opens, having failed to acquire one during the previous two windows. That should change this summer, with Newcastle United wanting three signings.
One of them will be a centre-back, as Paul Mitchell aims to acquire Fabian Schar’s long-term successor at St James’ Park. That is essential, as the Swiss defender is now 33-years-old.
Newcastle are interested in Huijsen, who looks set to be on the move this summer. He has a £50million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, and Newcastle know they can compete for Huijsen at that price.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Newcastle United know they face competition to sign Dean Huijsen
However, activating the release clause might not be the biggest issue for the Magpies.
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are well aware that it will be difficult to sign Huijsen due to the competition for his signature.
The likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid have been linked.
However, it will not be impossible for Paul Mitchell to strike a deal, with the Northern Echo adding that the 19-year-old is Newcastle’s top target.
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It has been claimed that Huijsen is open to joining Newcastle, but only if they are a Champions League club. That is still a possibility with 10 Premier League games to go.
Huijsen ticks every box for Newcastle United
At £50million, Huijsen would become one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever. He would sit third behind Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali.
The feeling has to be that it would be money well spent, despite Huijsen being available for a fraction of the price in 2024. Bournemouth are on course to make a huge profit, having signed the defender for an initial £12.6million.
Even at such a lofty price, Newcastle must surely feel that Huijsen represents value as they aim to land Schar’s long-term replacement.
That is difficult to do, as they are trying to sign a ball-playing defender who can operate on the right and the left. That is what Schar offers Eddie Howe, and it is why he is still so valuable despite his age.
In Huijsen, Newcastle would be investing in a player who could be a starter at St James’ Park for the next 10 years. He has already established himself at Premier League level, while there is scope for him to get better. That would likely happen under Howe, as there are not many players who the Newcastle United manager has not improved.
In that respect, Huijsen could go on to be worth well in excess of £50million.