Newcastle United transfer target Dean Huijsen will leave the club at the end of the season. That’s the claim made by the Bournemouth star’s teammate Justin Kluivert in a bombshell admission.
Huijsen, 19, has attracted a host of attention after his stunning form on the south coast after a bargain move from Juventus. The Cherries swooped for the Spanish star in a £12.3million move last summer.
The centre-back is now expected to leave Bournemouth when the transfer window reopens, regardless of whether they qualify for Europe or not. Huijsen is understood to have a £50m release clause in his contract which a host of clubs are willing to activate.
Newcastle have regularly scouted the star, and he is one of their prime targets for the summer when they will add another centre-half to their squad. Huijsen is seen as a cheaper and younger alternative to Marc Guehi, but the teenager is also wanted by Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Newcastle are monitoring a number of Bournemouth players, including Kluivert – son of former United star Patrick – and fellow attacker Antoine Semenyo. Huijsen has sprung to prominence, however, with his displays at the heart of the backline helping the Cherries’ push for Champions League qualification this season. Huijsen has made 27 appearances for Bournemouth in his debut season in England, scoring twice as the Cherries launched a surprise challenge on the European places.
His performances have seen him called up to the Spain international squad, and he featured in both legs as they defeated the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Kluivert was part of the Holland squad, and when asked about his teammate he admitted the club are already resigned to losing him.
Kluivert, who Newcastle would have to pay £25m for, told MARCA: “I know that next year he won’t be with us.”
Newcastle know they face a battle to land the defender but are hoping that if they qualify for the Champions League themselves, it will aid their fight. However, with the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich eyeing the youngster, they know it will be a difficult signing to seal.
Huijsen spoke about his future at the weekend while on international duty. He was asked if he would like to play for Real Madrid one day but insisted he is focused on ending the season strongly at Bournemouth.
“Would I like to play for Real Madrid? At the moment I’m not thinking about it,” he said. “I’m thinking about finishing the season well and then when the right time comes, we’ll see. It’s an honour that such an important team is interested in you. But we have to continue working and stay humble.”
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has hailed the youngster and believes he will one day play at the top level. Speaking about his attributes, the Spanish manager said: “I think he’s confident. He is not afraid of marking any forward and I think he’s calm on the ball.
“He knows what he’s doing, he’s under control. Sometimes he will make mistakes like all the others, but there is always a reason for the things he does. And for someone that is 19, it’s really strange to find this at this level.”
