Real Madrid encouraged after first contact with Premier League defender | OneFootball

Real Madrid are reported to be "convinced" that Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen is the player for them in what is described as a "strategic move for the future".

Huijsen's breakout season in the Premier League has resulted in links with numerous big clubs – including Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United, as well as Madrid. The likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be interested, while reports name Chelsea as the main threat to Madrid's interest.

But the Spanish side appear to have got the ball rolling, with SPORT reporting that contact has already been established with the player's camp to gauge his willingness to join the club. The response has been encouraging and Madrid are thought to be keen on ensuring that 19-year-old Huijsen signs.

The European champions opted against paying big money for Leny Yoro last summer, letting him go to Manchester United instead. Huijsen is likely to cost a similar amount – a £50m (€60m) release clause exists in his Bournemouth contract – but is billed as a better fit for what Madrid want.

Huijsen has had an epic season with Bournemouth / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

So while it could still be a problem for a club that hasn't paid a fee for a centre-back signing since Eder Militao arrived in 2019, Huijsen is considered the right profile to match the transfer policy, as someone young with potential and attributes that their squad needs. He is left-footed, better for the balance of the team than Yoro, and has the added bonus of being Spanish. There will be no language barrier, while it boosts the number of national team players at Madrid, prestige which has dwindled.

It is suggested that Madrid still don't see their need for a new centre-back as urgent, with David Alaba back on the pitch and Militao set to return from injury next season. But two years of injury problems at the heart of the defence has highlighted a lack of cover, while both Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are out of contract in 2026 and into the tail-end of their respective careers.

Having Huijsen on board already by then should smooth the transition into the next era.

MARCA adds that Madrid's football staff were already well aware of Huijsen's potential, but now the various directors are also on board after seeing him impress for Spain this month.