Real Madrid Leads Chelsea Race for £50m Dean Huijsen

Dean Huijsen, the 20-year-old Spanish center-back currently playing for Bournemouth, is a highly sought-after defender with a £50 million release clause, attracting interest from top clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal. Despite lucrative offers from Chelsea, Huijsen has expressed a strong preference to join Real Madrid, who are confident of securing his signing and are reportedly offering a significantly higher salary than Chelsea. Real Madrid aims to bolster their defense under incoming coach Xabi Alonso, with Huijsen seen as a key addition, while Chelsea is pursuing a broader defensive rebuild targeting other young talents like Marc Guehi and Jorrel Hato. Both Real Madrid and Chelsea can meet the release clause, but Madrid appears to be moving faster and is considered the front-runner for the transfer. Chelsea remains interested in Huijsen but is also preparing for potential squad changes including sales and other defensive acquisitions. The competition for Huijsen underscores his rising profile and the strategic importance both clubs place on strengthening their defenses this summer.