Barcelona are preparing for a busy transfer window, with their eyes set on freshening up their defensive unit as they near the top spot in La Liga under Hansi Flick.
The club is exploring the market for youthful, versatile talents to improve their defense, with Ronald Araújo’s future at the club uncertain.
After attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Barcelona is looking to compete for a young player who has impressed in the Premier League this season.
Barcelona has made a bold move in the transfer market, reaching out to Bournemouth’s standout defender Dean Huijsen, as reported by Luca Bendoni and Gianluca Di Marzio
Dean Huijsen was bought by Bournemouth from Juventus for £12.8 million last summer and has been one of their most impressive players, starting 24 of the 29 matches in the Premier League.
His level-headedness, bulky stature, and an assist playing for Spain in a Nations League match have put him on the radar of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Barcelona’s interest underscores a long-term picture for Dean Huijsen, based on the proposal he has received, and as a potential successor to Araújo.
However, Real Madrid leads the race, with Huijsen’s father reportedly leaning in favor of the Bernabeu.
The appeal of Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, quoted to be settled in three installments, is tempting, but the competition is fierce.
Chelsea has offered a lucrative seven-year deal, while Arsenal and Liverpool view Huijsen as a staple for their defences.
Bournemouth knows his value and expects bids to come through.
With Huijsen looking to make a decision in days, perhaps, Barcelona will have to navigate the crowded field to land the centre-back.
Huijsen is a highly rated and versatile centre-back who matches Flick’s system perfectly, and moving faster than their rivals will be key.
If Barcelona lands Huijsen in the next few days, it could ensure ten years of reliability in their defence and would mark a significant coup for the club.
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