Football

Bournemouth Star Overtakes William Saliba As Real Madrid’s ‘Number One Target’ This Summer

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By
Kieran Lynch
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Kieran Lynch Sports Editor

Kieran Lynch is a sports writer specialising in football and Formula One. He is a sports journalism graduate of Leeds Trinity University and completed a Press Association NCTJ course in Newcastle. He previously worked as a news reporter for the Eastern Daily Press in Norfolk and spent five years as a sports writer at the MailOnline.

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Sports Editor

Published19 Mar 2025

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William Saliba - Bakar FPL Gameweek 31 Tips

Real Madrid have reportedly made Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen their ‘number one defensive target’ this summer over Arsenal star William Saliba.

Los Blancos are keen to sign a centre-back after suffering several injuries this season.

Eder Militao is out for the season with a torn ACL, while David Alaba also missed a significant chunk of the season due to a cruciate ligament tear.

Arsenal centre-back Saliba has long been considered as an option for Real Madrid due to his excellent defensive performances in the Premier League.

Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate and RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba have also been linked with moves to the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Bournemouth teenager Huijsen, is now reportedly seen as Madrid’s number one option.

Real Madrid Consider Move For Dean Huijsen

Spanish publication Marca report that Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen is Real Madrid’s primary centre-back target this summer.

The 19-year-old has made 27 appearances this season and scored in victories over Tottenham and Manchester United.

Born in Amsterdam, the Manchester United and Liverpool target, Huijsen is a Spanish citizen after moving to the country when he was five.

He could receive his first senior cap this month after receiving his first international call-up as a late replacement for injured Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that a £50m release clause for the Bournemouth star will become active this summer.

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Dean Huijsen Reacts To Real Madrid Interest

Dean Huijsen told Relovo that he is ‘honoured’ to hear about interest from Real Madrid.

The teenager also revealed that his idol is Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. This could spell bad news for the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United who have also been linked with Huijsen.

The teenager said: “My idol is Sergio Ramos, he’s a reference. For me, he’s the best CB in history. He has everything, he’s a legend.

“It’s an honor when you hear about Real Madrid interest. I’m proud to have such a big club interested in me. It’s special for sure.”

William Saliba And Ibrahima Konate ‘Too Expensive’ For Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s interest in Dean Huijsen comes as the Bournemouth defender is considered a cheaper option than William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate.

The report by Marca claims that Real Madrid would have to pay more than 70 million euros (£58m) for Saliba and Konate.

Saliba would likely cost a lot more than that with his contract at Arsenal not expiring for another two years.

Konate’s current deal at Liverpool ends in 2026, with PSG also interested in the Frenchman.

Another defender linked with Real Madrid is Ajax star Jorrel Hato – who has also been linked with Liverpool.