Manchester United are one of many clubs linked with Bournemouth centre-half Dean Huijsen as the summer transfer window approaches, with Jose Mourinho already summing up his potential
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Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Fenerbahce, speaks to the media during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 press conference at Ibrox Stadium
Jose Mourinho has already made his opinion of Dean Huijsen clear (Image: Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho has already told Manchester United everything they need to know about Dean Huijsen.
The Red Devils are reportedly looking to overhaul their squad this summer, as Ruben Amorim has failed to get the best out of the side he inherited from Erik ten Hag back in November. As a result, United currently languish in 13th in the table and are on track to secure their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era.
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Many fans are eager to see what United do during the summer transfer window, as the Old Trafford hierarchy look to offload players who have failed to make a mark, while bringing in exciting new talents to hit the ground running in 2025/26 and suit Amorim's favoured 3-4-3 style of play.
One of the names they're linked with at present comes in the form of 19-year-old Bournemouth centre-half Huijsen, and former United boss Mourinho's previous comments about the Spain international were as glowing as endorsements come.
Speaking about the youngster, who he worked with during his time at Roma, Mourinho said: "Dean Huijsen has 10 minutes of football in the Serie A, but he's one of the biggest prospects in football.
"He will be a very great player in the future." Incredibly fresh to the beautiful game, Huijsen made his way through the ranks of Juventus' Next Generation reserve team in 2023, before enjoying a half-season loan with Roma in January the following year.
The defender racked up 14 appearances for the Serie A side before returning to his parent club, but was quickly snapped up by Bournemouth in a £12.8million deal last summer.
Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AFC Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Mourinho was hugely impressed by Huijsen(Image: Getty Images)
Despite only playing in the Premier League for the past season, Huijsen has put the world on notice - racking up 27 appearances for the side and helping them mount an unlikely European football charge. And while he's got a six-year deal with the Cherries, which sees him contractually tied to the Vitality Stadium until July 2030, it's also said to include a £50million release clause.
That could prove too tempting to ignore for United. However, the Red Devils are not the only side who are reported to be monitoring Huijsen's situation at present, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool each said to be showing an interest.
Mourinho isn't the only manager who had positive feedback on Huijsen either, with his successor at Roma, Daniele De Rossi, previously explaining how the sky is the limit for the talent. The Italian said of Huijsen last year: "Huijsen is becoming more and more mature.
"He does a lot. He’s very smart. He doesn’t look 18 years old on the field. He knows what he is doing. But sometimes a little too well. [Huijsen] is good with the ball at his feet, but sometimes a little too calm.
"I think he needs to learn some more ‘Italian tricks’ in his own box. If he does that, he will become one of the best players in the world."
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