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The race to sign Bournemouth’s defensive prodigy Dean Huijsen has escalated into one of the summer’s most intense transfer sagas, with Liverpool among a plethora of European giants emerging as primary contenders.

The 20-year-old Spanish international, who boasts a £50 million release clause, has become a magnet for Europe’s elite after a breakout season that saw him anchor the Cherries’ surprise push for European qualification.

Huijsen’s rapid ascent from Juventus castoff to Premier League standout has been nothing short of meteoric.

Since joining Bournemouth for £12.8 million in July 2024, the Dutch-born defender has started 28 league matches, scoring three goals and forming part of the division’s fourth-best home defensive record.

His composure on the ball (89% pass accuracy), aerial dominance (68% duel success), and versatility across the backline earned him a senior Spain debut in March 2025, replacing the injured Pau Cubarsi mid-game against the Netherlands.

Standing at 6’5?, Huijsen is known for his versatility and technical ability, excelling at playing out from the back.

Dean Huijsen.

Based on 1566 minutes played [Fbref].

The Reds’ interest could be linked to uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future, with reports of “zero progress” regarding a new contract for the Frenchman who has just one year remaining on his deal.

Details on the aforementioned £50m release clause revealed that it can further be divided into three payments that equal the clause value.

This makes the 20-year-old a bargain for any club, and it seems that Chelsea are the ones now in pole position.

Last week, it emerged that Chelsea have seized the initiative by offering Huijsen a seven-year contract – a structure that aligns with their model of securing young talents on long-term deals.

The Blues aim to finalize the transfer before July’s Club World Cup in the United States, using the tournament’s exposure as a recruitment tool.

Now James Pearce has reported that the Anfield club feels they are currently behind the London club in the race:

“Liverpool are also in the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, who has a £50m release clause,” the journalist wrote for the Athletic.

“The 20-year-old Spain international has the skill set to flourish under Slot but there is serious competition for his signature from Premier League rivals and further afield

Liverpool currently regard Chelsea as the front-runners.”

It’s clear that a summer arms race for Huijsen is heating up between the Premier League’s top sides.

On the teenager’s part, he seems well aware of the prestige that playing for Liverpool will bring – saying on the Papa Pincus podcast last month:

“I don’t think it’s easy to play for Liverpool, it’s not,” he said.

“There’s pressure, there’s the whole world looking at you, there’s Champions League, Premier League.”

“You need to be good, like proper good to hold your own.”

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