Chelsea given transfer hope as Romano delivers 'excellent relationship' message

Cameron Smith

23 Mar 2025 16:00 CDT
4 min read

Chelsea reportedly have an “excellent relationship” with Dean Huijsen’s representatives as they look to finalise an agreement to sign the Bournemouth defender this summer.

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The Blues are actively pursuing a new centre-back ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window, despite reaching a pre-agreement to sign Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr, and they have identified Huijsen as a key target amid his immense form since arriving at Bournemouth.

Current ETV

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

ETV Range

€22.4M - €27.4M

The Spain international has been one of the Premier League’s best-performing defenders so far this season and his development under Andoni Iraola has been noticed by a host of top European clubs, including Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s side are also interested in re-signing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Chelsea may hold a major advantage in the race to sign Huijsen this summer.

“Chelsea are there,” Romano told his YouTube channel. “[They have] an excellent relationship with people close to the player. They have been tracking the player for a long time and he is really appreciated by people at the club.”

Romano added that Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Newcastle United are also interested in signing Huijsen this summer, with Bournemouth set to face an uphill battle in their pursuit to retain his services.

READ MORE: Chelsea top scorers 2024/25

Dean Huijsen responds to Real Madrid speculation

Although Chelsea may have an “excellent relationship” with Huijsen’s camp, the Spaniard has hinted that a move to Real Madrid would fulfil a career ambition.

“It’s an honour when you hear about Real Madrid interest, I’m proud to have such a big club interested in me,” the 19-year-old admitted while on Spain duty (as per Relevo).

“It’s special for sure. My idol is Sergio Ramos, he’s a reference. For me, he’s the best centre-back in history. He has everything, he’s a legend.”

Huijsen has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Bournemouth so far this campaign, scoring two goals, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €24.9 million.