Dean Huijsen was impressive again for Bournemouth this weekend as the Cherries beat Arsenal 2-1 but Liverpool are trailing Chelsea in the race for his signature.
The Spanish defender has attracted a lot of attention with his displays in the Premier League this season. At 20, he is displaying maturity beyond his years and is a target for Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Yet despite the allure of playing for Madrid or Liverpool, reports this week have indicated that it is, in fact, Chelsea leading the race to sign him when the season ends.
According to a report from the Athletic, Liverpool believe Chelsea are ahead of them. There is “serious competition” to land the Bournemouth star and he has now said a bit more about his approach to the transfer window.
Dean Huijsen speaks amid intense transfer rumours
Speaking to Sky Sports after beating Arsenal, Huijsen said he isn’t really thinking about transfers but is just focused on training, preparing for games and is enjoying working with the “great” staff and players at Bournemouth.
“I think I’m pretty relaxed, just a chill guy,” Huijsen said.
“I don’t really think about it too much, I just go to training every morning. We have a great group, great staff, great everything at the club.
“I just enjoy my football, enjoy myself and at the moment I’m just having fun playing football. It’s going well so I’m really happy.”
"I'm pretty relaxed, just a chill guy" ????
Dean Huijsen says he is just 'having fun playing football' and not thinking about speculation around his future ?? pic.twitter.com/ZgtQGQcmMh
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2025
If not Huijsen, who should Liverpool sign?
My answer would be a lot different were Liverpool still negotiating with Virgil van Dijk over a new contract but given that the club captain will be at the club another two years, it’s not that important anymore.
It’s still vital that Liverpool sign a new centre-back but if Ibrahima Konate is also going to be at the club next season, Arne Slot can go for any young centre-back that he believes will be able to develop and grow into an elite player in the next 2-3 years.
Or they could go for an experienced player like Marc Guehi. One player that has impressed since moving to the Premier League is Maxence Lacroix but he only just joined Crystal Palace.
My favourite non-Liverpool centre-back this season is Willian Pacho. He was linked with a move to Anfield before he left Eintracht Frankfurt to join PSG but his form in the Champions League this season says it all.
