Dean Huijsen. (Image: Richard Crease)
Dean Huijsen. (Image: Richard Crease)
THE Cherries will not be able to directly replace Dean Huijsen after his move to Real Madrid, Andoni Iraola admitted.
Huijsen’s move to Madrid was confirmed at the weekend, the young centre back set to move to the Spanish giants for £50million, after signing for the Cherries for £12.4m last summer.
He has made 30 appearances for Bournemouth this season in the Premier League, with four in cup competitions, playing every minute of every game since the start of December.
In that time, Huijsen has impressed for his ball playing ability, as well as his defensive prowess, leading to a large number of top clubs showing interest in signing the centre back.
But it was Madrid that won the race, confirming the signing a week before the conclusion of the Premier League season – in time for the Spaniard to play in the Club World Cup this summer.
The Cherries now have the task of finding a replacement.
The club already has two Premier League quality centre backs in Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi, but they will be keen to bring another player in to bolster its ranks.
Asked about the prospect of needing to find a replacement, and whether they will be able to find a similar style of player at a similar age, Iraola said: “No, probably we will not find the same player.
“We will have to find other players.
“At least the signing has been very, very early, even without starting the market.
“I would say it's a little bit strange in this situation but gives the club time to prepare for next season and we will have to focus on the positive side.
“We are losing a hell of a player, but we have time also to prepare for next season.”