Predicting Where Dean Huijsen Will Sign

20-year-old Dean Huijsen has had his senior-team breakthrough season in just his first season in the Premier League.

The Spanish international signed from Juventus to Bournemouth in 2024 and is now considered one of the most coveted young defenders in world football, with a host of top clubs vying for his signature in the summer of 2025.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich have all reportedly entered the race for his signature. His £50 million release clause makes him a (relatively) costly signing, although not an obscene figure, making Huijsen one of the more intriguing summer transfer sagas this offseason.

After signing for 15.2 million Euros from Juventus in 2024, he has started 28 Premier League matches and contributed to 10 clean sheets. His ball-playing ability is exceptional, with a 92% pass completion rate and averaging 4.1 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

Defensively, Huijsen records an average of 2.1 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, and 3.9 clearances per game. He is comfortable playing across a back three or four. And, with him making his debut with Spain, it gives him an international pedigree — statistics that are a rarity for his age.

So, where will he sign this summer? For now, the transfer race is wide open. Chelsea are reportedly frontrunners, with The Guardian reporting that they are trying to push for his signature before the Club World Cup this June. They have an established relationship with his agents and may be more willing to offer a lucrative seven-year contract on high wages, similar to the likes of Romeo Lavia or Moises Conceido. He could fill the gap next to center back Levi Colwill, and given Wesley Fofana’s injuries, it could make him a good fit.

Arsenal’s interest is largely driven by manager Mikel Arteta’s need for a young, ball-playing centerback to slot into their system. Huijsen’s two-footedness would align with this system, and with Jaku Kiwior’s future uncertain, it could open up a spot in their defense. However, Arsenal’s established defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in addition to their depth (Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori), may be too much competition for a spot.

Real Madrid would be a dream move for Huijsen, who has said multiple times that his idol is Sergio Ramos. His profile would fit their need for a young center-back given Eder Militao and David Alaba’s injuries. But, according to The Athletic, they are reluctant to pay the release clause and see it as a major obstacle, especially as they pursue the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will likely be on large wages. Real Madrid prefer to wait, but Huijsen may want his future sorted out sooner rather than later.

Liverpool may emerge as the most likely destination. Arne Slot’s possession-based system suits Huijsens ball-playing strengths, and his Premier League experience would make him a seamless fit. With Ibrahima Konate’s contract talks reportedly stalling and Jarell Quansah’s future uncertain, Liverpool will surely be interested in defensive reinforcements.

Their reported talks with Huijsen’s camp and history of triggering release clauses (such as Alexis Mac Allister) may give them an edge. Liverpool would also offer stability, title contention, and guaranteed minutes.

Prediction: Huijsen signs for Liverpool for £50m this summer.