Dean Huijsen: Real Madrid 'closing in on £50m Chelsea and Liverpool transfer target' | OneFootball

The defender could return to Spain despite fielding heavy interest from Premier League sides

On the move: Real Madrid prepare to move for Dean Huijsen

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Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a deal in principle on payment terms with Bournemouth as they prepare to trigger defender Dean Huijsen’s £50million release clause.

Los Blancos are said to have earlier sent a formal contract offer to the player’s camp as they look to expedite a deal, though an agreement is yet to be reached. Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are understood to remain interested and could hijack a deal if Real Madrid fail to settle on contract terms.

Huijsen’s preference would reportedly be to move to the Spanish capital, though, rather than joining another Premier League side.

He fast became a fixture of Andoni Iraola’s side and has courted transfer interest from a wide variety of clubs, with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal previously thought to have been leading the race. His performances have also earned him a call-up to the Spain national team, making his senior debut in March.

To sign for Los Blancos would mark Huijsen’s first return to Spanish football since he left Segunda Division side Malaga CF’s academy in 2021.

He has given little away publicly as to his preferred destination. After Bournemouth beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates earlier this month, he said he was happy with life on the south coast.

Asked whether he felt any pressure as a result of the transfer speculation, the 20-year-old said: “I think I am pretty relaxed. I am just a chill guy.

“I don't really think about it too much. I go to training every morning, we have a great group, great staff, and I just enjoy my football and myself.

“At the moment, I am just having fun playing football, and it's going well, so I am really happy.”