Real Madrid have seen clearly this season that they need to strengthen their defense. Not only because of the issue of injuries, which has been key in the course of this season, but also because of the age of their main names in defense. They are all in their 30s, so a generational change is needed for a defense that has been a real headache in recent weeks.
Carlo Ancelotti has had to do some serious juggling in recent weeks with a depleted defense that is gradually recovering. The problems at Real Madrid began right at the start of the season with the long-term injuries to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, followed by Rüdiger and Alaba who were available again this past Wednesday for the Champions League match, and the Galician Lucas Vázquez who only partially recovered for the return leg of the Playoffs, but was already fit for Sunday’s match against Girona.
In recent weeks, the Italian has given an important role to Asencio, and in the absence of central defenders he has opted for players at the back such as Tchouameni and Valverde. In the Copa del Rey match against Leganés, the man chosen for the center of the defense was youth team player Jacobo Ramón. Many tests and experiments have made it clear that strength and alternatives are needed at the back, so Real Madrid, who did not consider going to the January market in the face of casualties, is considering looking for a reliable center-back in the summer market, with two names having emerged in recent days as the main candidates.
Dean Huijsen on the agenda
Huijsen is on Real Madrid‘s agenda to complete their defense. The Spanish center back aims to be one of the best in the world and is attracting attention from half of Europe. According to Fabrizio Romano, both Bayern and Chelsea have already inquired about the player.
Specifically, the journalist notes: “I understand that Dean Huijsen has a buy-out clause in his contract valid from this summer. Chelsea rate the player highly and he is at the top of the list; Bayern called for information. Bournemouth are unbeaten since the Spanish center back entered the starting eleven, with 8 clean sheets”.
Real Madrid were already interested in Dean in the past, as he himself revealed a few months ago: “Yes, I turned down Real. I think I made the most difficult decision,” he said in an interview with AS. He has a contract until 2030. According to the English newspaper The Sun a few days ago, both Barça and Real Madrid are following his steps and his progress with the aim of making a move for him in the future.
Real Madrid already know Dean Huijsen’s price
As reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano, “Dean Huijsen’s contract with Bournemouth includes a termination clause of 50 million pounds (60 million euros). It will be valid from the summer of 2025”. For many, a bargain considering the performance he is offering in his first season in the Premier League.
In addition to the price, the team will have to take into account the fierce competition for the Costa del Sol player when undertaking the operation. Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are closely following the former Juventus and AS Roma player, keeping a close eye on the steps of this player who was born in Amsterdam, grew up in Malaga and has already played six games with the Spanish Under-21 team (one goal).