Chelsea Are Leading The Race To Recruit This Bournemouth Defender: Should Maresca Go For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea are leading the race to recruit Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen. It is understood that the Blues have moved ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign the Spanish centre-back this summer.

Huijsen’s Impressive Rise In English Football

Huijsen has enjoyed a decent campaign at the Vitality Stadium as he has put in a series of impressive displays for the Cherries on the defensive end of the field. The Amsterdam-born talent has been involved in 33 matches for Bournemouth this season, netting three goals and grabbing one assist in various competitions.

The 20-year-old has been a good performer when defending inside his half based on his average of 1.1 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 5.9 clearances per game in the Premier League. He has also been accurate when distributing the ball from the back after making 84.2% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).

His current deal at Bournemouth will expire in the summer of 2030 which would make it tough for the Blues to land him on the cheap this off-season.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Vitality Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Should Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Go For Huijsen?

Huijsen is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to secure the ball back for his side on the defensive end of the field. He usually clears the danger when required and excels at playing his way out from the back.

The Spanish defensive ace can even use his strong 1.97m frame to win his fair share of aerial duels. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level and would need time to prove his worth in European football.

Huijsen would undoubtedly enhance the quality of Chelsea‘s backline in the long run. He has what it takes to be a success story at the West London club over the next decade.

At 20, the future looks quite bright for Huijsen as long as he continues to improve with each year. Therefore, Enzo Maresca should focus on trying everything in his power to win the race for his services in this summer transfer period. However, the Chelsea boss has to be patient with his development before he can unlock the best out of the talented youngster at Stamford Bridge.