Premier League breakout star ready to follow in Bellingham’s footsteps to join Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid have finally made the decision to go after a new centre-back signing in the summer transfer window and have identified Dean Huijsen as their priority target.

The 20-year-old AFC Bournemouth youngster is enjoying a breakthrough season in the Premier League after joining the club last summer from Juventus.

A host of top clubs, including the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, have taken an interest in Huijsen, apart from Real Madrid.

Huijsen to follow in Bellingham’s footsteps, prioritise Real Madrid

However, according to MARCA, Huijsen is ready to follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham by prioritising a move to Real Madrid over more lucrative offers from elsewhere.

The Spanish international centre-back has made his desire to wear the white shirt well known – a position that mirrors Bellingham’s choice to join Real Madrid despite receiving higher offers from rival clubs.

The Merengues’ interest in Huijsen is not new. Four years ago, club representatives met several times with the player’s father. An agreement was not reached at the time, but the door remained open.

Huijsen wants Real Madrid. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Since then, the player’s development has justified the early scouting reports that once made him a target.

Huijsen has been one of the revelations of the season and appears set for a bigger move thanks to his €58 million release clause.

No change in strategy

Real Madrid are fully aware that some teams aim to attract players with substantial financial packages, as was the case with Leny Yoro last summer and Alphonso Davies during his recent contract talks with Bayern Munich.

Now, with Huijsen, several Premier League teams are prepared to exceed the release clause and offer wages that the Merengues consider unsustainable.

However, Real Madrid remain firm in their approach – disciplined spending and maintaining financial stability, even when competing clubs offer far more.

And there is optimism in Valdebebas as the player’s determination to join Los Blancos is clear. As such, Real Madrid see the operation to sign Huijsen as challenging but feasible.