An impressive young defender has reportedly caught Manchester City’s eye | OneFootball

Manchester City did begin the rebuild of their defence in January by signing Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. The pair of centre-backs have added quality and undoubted potential to City’s defensive stocks. But it does appear that Pep Guardiola’s squad could do with signing another centre-back in the summer. On that front, it does appear that impressive Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has reportedly caught Manchester City’s eye. It’s easy to see why based on his performances this season for Bournemouth.

Danny Rust and Dean Jones have reported for GIVEMESPORT that Manchester City are one of several clubs that have an interest in signing Dean Huijsen. Furthermore, Rust and Jones report that Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in signing Huijsen. Rust and Jones add that there is a £50 million release clause in Huijsen’s current contract. Lastly, they go on to report that the young defender is reportedly open to a move to a bigger club in the summer to take his career to the next level.

Dean Huijsen is a player that appears suited to Manchester City’s style of play and City may need to replace a centre-back in the summer.

Looking at Dean Huijsen as a player it’s easy to see why he has reportedly caught Manchester City’s eye. In 24 appearances for Bournemouth this season, his poise and quality in possession does stand out, especially for a player so young. At 19 years of age, Huijsen does have his best football ahead of him. Huijsen does play with a maturity that would be expected of a much older player. Especially in possession. Given the way Andoni Iraola’s side plays, it does allow Huijsen to shine in possession. He is adept at playing a key role in Bournemouth’s build-up play, and he can also play a quality long ball. Both of those attributes would slot seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Defensively, Huijsen is strong in the air and physically and also strong in a challenge. He is adept at breaking up opponents’ attacks in a challenge, especially when he presses into midfield. Although he does have to work on his defensive positioning at times. That is something that does stand out in his play. But given that he is only 19 his defensive positioning is something that should develop as he matures as a player. Huijsen has all of the attributes required to develop into an elite centre-back. He isn’t the finished product by any stretch but it’s clear to see why he has Manchester City’s eye with his impressive play for Bournemouth this season.

Summary

With the injuries suffered by Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias this season you do feel that City could and will sign another centre-back this summer. That could especially be the case given the constant injury issues Nathan Ake and John Stones, in particular, have consistently suffered in recent seasons. Dean Huijsen is a player who could slot into that spot in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Whether or not Manchester City do move for the young defender remains to be seen. But there is a case for City to move for Huijsen based on his impressive displays this season.