Chelsea are going to have to see off a lot of competition if they are to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.
However, Chelsea could have an advantage over some of their competitors for Huijsen’s signature.
The 19-year-old is just one central defender the Blues are thought to be keen on. As well as him, it is also believed that Chelsea are interested in Marc Guehi.
It now looks very likely that Enzo Maresca will welcome at least one new centre-back to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Chelsea’s relationship with Dean Huijsen’s entourage
Chelsea could make more than one signing from Bournemouth, with the Blues being linked with Huijsen, Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez.
In fact, it has been claimed that Semenyo is a “massive” target for Chelsea going into the summer transfer window.
As for Huijsen, Chelsea have an “excellent relationship” with his people, according to Fabrizio Romano, which could help them in the race for his services.
Discussing the Spain international on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Chelsea are there, excellent relationship with people close to the player, tracking the player for a long time, really appreciated by people at the club, so Chelsea are there.
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“Liverpool have also been tracking Huijsen and he’s one of the players they appreciate and they’ve already made some contact to understand how the release clause works. Bayern [Munich] sent the scouts several times in September, in October, in November, in December to follow Huijsen and they appreciate the player. And then we have to add, as we already did several times, Real Madrid.”
Chelsea’s current centre-half options include Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah.
Chelsea have Axel Disasi as well, but he could leave the club this summer. In fact, Chelsea could get rid of eight players permanently in the next transfer window.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
How Dean Huijsen fared in Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea
Huijsen came up against Chelsea in January and did not have a bad game at all despite the Cherries conceding two goals.
No player actually managed to make more defensive actions than the former Juventus man, who recorded 13.
In total, Huijsen made four clearances, four interceptions and two tackles, so it was quite a good defensive performance. Ultimately, it would have helped convince Chelsea even more about his ability.
Dean Huijsen’s numbers vs Chelsea Total
Minutes 90
Clearances 4
Blocked shots 3
Interceptions 4
Tackles 2
Total defensive actions 13
Ground duels (won) 6 (3)
Aerial duels (won) 2 (2)
Via Sofascore
With Real Madrid also sniffing around Huijsen, signing him will not be easy. But maybe Chelsea can take advantage of their good relationship with the player’s entourage.