Chelsea enter race for star as Bournemouth prepare for €50m sale | OneFootball

Chelsea Challenge Real Madrid for Huijsen as Bournemouth Prepare €50m Auction

Dean Huijsen has emerged as one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football — and Chelsea are now firmly in the conversation. The 19-year-old Spain international, currently starring for Bournemouth, has attracted interest from elite clubs including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Manchester United. But it is Chelsea’s growing involvement that could reshape the narrative.

According to Sport, Bournemouth are expected to auction the centre-back this summer, with his release clause set at €50 million. The Cherries paid €15 million to sign him from Juventus last year, and technical director Tiago Pinto, in collaboration with manager Andoni Iraola, is now poised to cash in on what has turned into a hugely profitable investment.

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Spain Call-Up Sparks European Interest

Huijsen’s stock has soared following his surprise debut for Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands — his country of birth. With Pau Cubarsí injured, Huijsen stepped in seamlessly, delivering a composed performance in Rotterdam and again at Mestalla. It was a breakthrough moment that confirmed his rapid development.

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His selection for Spain over the Netherlands is significant. Sources close to Real Madrid interpret the decision as a clear sign of his intent to return to La Liga, possibly with Los Blancos. “The decision to represent Spain has been understood as a step towards a future in Spanish football,” Sport reports. “It opens the door much wider for a move to Madrid.”

Chelsea’s Malagueño Connection Through Maresca

However, Real Madrid’s path to Huijsen is not unchallenged. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are actively pursuing the player and have their own unique advantage: a shared Málaga connection. Maresca spent two seasons at La Rosaleda and maintains close ties with several coaches who worked with Huijsen during his time at Málaga’s academy.

Maresca is not a newcomer to Huijsen’s profile. He followed his development from Málaga to Juventus, his loan spell at Roma, and now his breakout season at Bournemouth. The Italian manager reportedly sees Huijsen as an ideal centrepiece in Chelsea’s long-term defensive project. His 1.97m frame, ball-playing ability, and positional intelligence align perfectly with Maresca’s tactical vision.

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The Blues’ interest, coupled with Black Knight Football and Entertainment’s financial backing, means Chelsea are not only serious but well positioned to go head-to-head with Madrid — especially if an auction begins.

Madrid Cautious After Yoro Saga

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are wary of being dragged into a bidding war. Club figures are still frustrated by last summer’s failed pursuit of Leny Yoro, where Manchester United blew them out of contention with an inflated late bid. This time, director José Ángel Sánchez and scout Juni Calafat are proceeding with discretion.

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The club is hoping Huijsen’s personal desire to return to Spain will weigh more than the money on the table. “Madrid are working behind the scenes to secure the player’s commitment before the auction begins,” Sport writes.

There is also a growing belief that Huijsen’s bond with Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio — formed during their time together with Spain — could sway his decision. The two centre-backs are seen as future cornerstones of the Spanish national team, and possibly, Real Madrid’s defensive line.

Bournemouth Set for Windfall

Bournemouth are preparing to trigger Huijsen’s clause at €50 million, confident that multiple clubs will engage in a bidding process. Despite their Premier League stability, the Cherries are aware they cannot stand in the way of a player who is rapidly becoming a top-tier talent.

Even Huijsen’s own teammates believe his future lies elsewhere. “I wasn’t surprised by Dean,” said teammate Justin Kluivert after Spain’s win over the Netherlands. “He’s the same in England. He’s going to have many offers and he’s a centre-back for many years in Spain. Spain is his place.”

Manager Andoni Iraola has also acknowledged that keeping Huijsen beyond this season is unlikely. The expectation is that the highest bidder will secure his services — and while Madrid may still lead sentimentally, Chelsea are rapidly closing the gap.

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As the countdown to the summer window ticks under 100 days, all signs point to a two-horse race with a multi-club undercurrent. Bournemouth’s profit looks assured. For Chelsea and Real Madrid, the outcome could shape their defensive cores for the next decade.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is the kind of transfer Chelsea should be making — not reactive, but visionary. Dean Huijsen has every attribute you’d want in a modern centre-back: physical dominance, comfort in possession, calm under pressure, and, crucially, he’s only 19. He already looks like someone capable of anchoring a back line at the highest level.

Enzo Maresca’s connection to Huijsen’s roots in Málaga could be decisive. Knowing the player’s background, understanding his mentality — those things matter when you’re building something long term. With Thiago Silva gone and some uncertainty around players like Benoît Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah, this feels like a moment to make a foundational signing.

The idea of beating Real Madrid to a player of this calibre adds an extra buzz. It’s not just about money; it’s about project clarity and trust in youth. If Chelsea can get this deal done, it would send a strong message that the club is committed to smart, strategic recruitment — and building for the future with serious intent.