Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has lauded the mental resilience of young defender Dean Huijsen, as the 20-year-old continues to attract attention from some of Europe’s elite clubs. Despite swirling transfer rumors linking Huijsen to the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, Iraola insists the Spanish international remains unfazed and focused on his performances for the Cherries.
Huijsen, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for a modest £12.8 million last summer, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout young talents. His composure on the ball, two-footed versatility, and defensive solidity have made him a cornerstone of Bournemouth’s impressive campaign, with the club sitting eighth in the league and eyeing a potential European qualification spot. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with reports indicating a £50 million release clause in his contract is likely to be triggered this summer.
Speaking ahead of Bournemouth’s clash with Manchester United, Iraola addressed the speculation surrounding Huijsen’s future. “From what I see every day, training and playing, I don’t think it is affecting him at all,” Iraola said, as reported by Metro News. “He comes from big teams – Juventus, Roma – and he’s used to this kind of attention. It’s not something strange for him.”
Huijsen’s meteoric rise has been a highlight of Bournemouth’s season. Stepping into the starting lineup following Marcos Senesi’s injury in November, the young defender has formed a formidable partnership with Illia Zabarnyi, contributing to back-to-back clean sheets against Fulham and Crystal Palace. His ability to handle high-pressure situations, both on and off the pitch, has drawn praise from teammates and pundits alike.
“Dean’s mentality is exceptional,” Iraola added, per Goal.com. “He’s focused on being better than yesterday, and that’s what makes him special. His eyes are on the next game, not the noise around him.”
The transfer buzz intensified this week, with Chelsea reportedly leading the race to sign Huijsen, offering a potential seven-year deal to bolster their defensive ranks under Enzo Maresca. Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham are also in the mix, while European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have expressed interest. According to Sky Sports, Huijsen’s preference for regular playing time and Champions League football will be key factors in his decision, giving Premier League clubs an edge over their continental rivals.
Bournemouth, however, are bracing for the inevitable. The club’s recruitment strategy, which has seen them unearth gems like Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, is expected to yield significant profits, with Huijsen’s departure potentially fetching over £50 million. Despite the looming exit, Iraola remains optimistic about his team’s trajectory, emphasizing the importance of every point in their push for a historic European berth.
“We don’t know what position will give us access to Europe, but we’re fighting for it,” Iraola noted. “Dean and the whole team are fully committed to finishing the season strongly.”
Huijsen’s teammates have also rallied around him, with the likes of Dominic Solanke, Milos Kerkez, and Justin Kluivert showing support for his recent social media post: “Be better than yesterday. Eyes on the next one.” The message, posted after Bournemouth’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, underscored his focus amid the transfer storm.