Chelsea lead Real Madrid in race for €60m superstar

Tom Weber

3 Apr 2025 00:05 CDT
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea are currently leading the race for Dean Huijsen, according to a report.

The Bournemouth defender has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after commodities this season. Despite his youth, Huijsen plays with an assuredness beyond his years for the Cherries.

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Current ETV

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

ETV Range

€22.4M - €27.4M

Several of Bournemouth's players are in demand heading into the summer transfer window but none more so than the Dutch-born Spaniard. The 19-year-old is being chased by a host of clubs and is expected to be on the move again after just one season.

Fitted with a €60 million release clause, Huijsen is relatively affordable for the most affluent clubs in European football, and he has already admitted that he is 'honoured' to be linked with the likes of Real Madrid.

Indeed, it has even been suggested that Los Blancos are in pole position to secure Huijsen's signature, with the former Malaga youngster said to be keen on returning to Spain. However, it seems that it won't be as straightforward for the capital club.

Chelsea most advanced in Huijsen pursuit

According to The Independent, it is actually Chelsea whose interest in Huijsen is the most advanced at this stage. To be sure, Real Madrid are monitoring his situation, but a move to Spain is far from certain at this stage.

The outlet adds that known admirers Liverpool are also vying for his signature but insists that Chelsea have made the most 'progress' in courting the teenager.

Nevertheless, Huijsen's future is still described as being 'up in the air.' Real Madrid feel that if push comes to shove, they will be able to blow the Premier League sides out of the water due to the sway they hold over Huijsen and, indeed, most players in world football.

As things stand, however, Chelsea are the favourites to sign Huijsen. The Blues have already added Dario Essugo and Geovany Quenda (the latter for 2026) to their contingent of wonderkids, while they will also finally welcome Kendry Paez and Estevao to their side this summer.