Real Madrid register interest in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen

La Liga champions Real Madrid are seeking to bolster their options in defence and have earmarked Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen as a prime target, according to AS.

In addition to his impressive solidity at the back in his debut Premier League season since leaving Juventus for €15 million last summer, the 19-year-old has also popped up with big goals against Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Manchester United.

Real Madrid’s interest in Huijsen is largely driven by recent injury challenges in their defensive unit to key players like David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militao.

This has forced Carlo Ancelotti to play Aurelien Tchouameni in defence alongside Antonio Rudiger on several occasions this season.

While Real Madrid are keen on acquiring Huijsen, it remains to be seen whether he can immediately step into a starting role and if Huijsen would be willing to accept a position where he is not a regular starter, as that could impede his development.

Also, Bournemouth are well aware of his rising value and will be expected to demand a substantial fee for any potential transfer.

Having spent the second half of last season at AS Roma on the request of Jose Mourinho, Huijsen was given a huge vote of confidence by the legendary manager although their time together was brief following Mourinho’s dismissal.

,”I think that we all know who he is, he is an 18-year-old boy, who has 10 minutes in Serie A, but who is one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level,” Mourinho said.

‘He will be a great footballer in the future.”

Huijsen was named Man of the Match in Bournemouth’s Boxing Day stalemate against Crystal Palace, where the Cherries extended their unbeaten run to six matches.

Andoni Iraola’s men currently sit sixth in the standings ahead of their final outing of 2024 against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.