Newcastle United have dropped out of the race to sign £50m defender | OneFootball

Newcastle Step Back from Huijsen Chase to Avoid Transfer Déjà Vu

Newcastle United have cooled their interest in Spanish international Dean Huijsen as they seek to avoid another drawn-out summer saga similar to last year’s failed pursuit of Marc Guehi. As reported by iNews, the Magpies are taking a more measured approach in this transfer window, informed by past lessons and the pressing need for efficient recruitment.

It’s not a lack of admiration that has prompted Newcastle’s rethink. Huijsen, who has impressed at Bournemouth following a remarkable breakout season, is one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders. The 19-year-old is reportedly available via a £50 million release clause, which has already attracted firm interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

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Yet the reality for Newcastle is complex. They remain in the market for a centre-back — despite offering fresh terms to Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schär — but are keen to avoid being drawn into an expensive and protracted battle. The club want early, decisive deals this summer, especially with European qualification secured and Champions League football still within reach.

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Learning from Last Year’s Missed Opportunities

Newcastle’s experience in the Guehi deal lingers. Then, as now, there was belief within the club that a deal could be struck, only to find themselves priced out, amid what was viewed as a “Newcastle tax.” They walked away, smartly or reluctantly, and have since set firmer boundaries for their transfer dealings.

“There’s an element of caution now,” one source explained. “We know we have to box clever.”

This approach has shaped their renewed interest in players with clear release clauses — like Ipswich’s Liam Delap and Huijsen — where negotiations are less likely to spiral into brinkmanship. Yet even with set prices, deals like Huijsen’s come with layers: wage demands, guaranteed minutes, and the lure of Champions League football are all factors weighing heavily in the minds of players and their representatives.

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Competition and Context

With Arsenal entering the race and Chelsea and Liverpool already strong contenders, Newcastle may find themselves squeezed unless they can offer both game time and Europe’s top competition. As iNews reports, “game time and Champions League football are priorities for Huijsen, who has recently broken into the Spain squad.”

Director of Football Paul Mitchell, newly installed and tasked with steering the club through its next phase, has already faced a steep challenge in his first window. His success this summer could define Newcastle’s trajectory under the current ownership.

Financial Balancing Act

A return to Champions League football would be transformative. “It’s 60m to 80m Euros, guaranteed,” said football finance expert Professor Rob Wilson. “From a PSR perspective, that is going to be incredibly helpful.” Newcastle, still operating within Profitability and Sustainability Rules, are budgeting cautiously, but additional revenue offers scope for up to four signings on long-term deals.

Still, there’s an expectation that Newcastle will have to engage in player trading. While Alexander Isak is reportedly off-limits — his valuation forcing suitors like Arsenal and Liverpool to look elsewhere — others on the fringes may be made available.

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Interest in Burnley’s James Trafford and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains live. But in Mbeumo’s case, Brentford’s strong contractual position may see them replicate the Ivan Toney model — keeping him until his final year unless their valuation is met.

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With competing needs across multiple positions and budget constraints to navigate, Newcastle’s summer will test Mitchell’s judgment and resolve. This may not be a window of fireworks, but rather of smart, calculated investment — a reflection of how far Newcastle’s recruitment strategy has come.

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This is exactly what some fans may have feared: another summer of “what could have been.” Dean Huijsen’s the real deal, and to see Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all getting serious while Newcastle hesitate is frustrating for supporters, especially after the Guehi debacle. It’s like they’re caught between ambition and anxiety.

Yes, they need to avoid being ripped off, but at some point, you’ve got to back your judgment and strike. Isn’t that what Paul Mitchell was brought in for? To make bold calls, not just smart ones? Huijsen fits everything they need: young, composed, physically ready for the Premier League, and already showing signs of world-class potential.

Champions League or not, Newcastle should be making statements. Huijsen would be one. Instead, they’re stepping back, possibly watching another top talent go elsewhere, and banking on cleverness over conviction.

Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. Mitchell deserves the time to build properly. But for fans, especially after such progress in recent years, patience is wearing thin.