Real Madrid’s top defensive target opens up on transfer speculation – ‘Friends are asking me to sign’ | OneFootball

As Real Madrid continue their search for the next defensive pillar, 19-year-old Dean Huijsen has emerged as one of the most talked-about names on Florentino Perez’s radar.

And now, the young Dutch centre-back has broken his silence on the growing speculation linking him with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, Huijsen revealed that his inner circle is fully behind the idea of him donning the white shirt of the European champions.

“My friends are asking me to sign for Real Madrid,” the teenager smiled, acknowledging the buzz around a potential blockbuster summer move.

Huijsen, currently under contract with Bournemouth until 2030, has a €58 million release clause—an amount that hasn’t deterred either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich from keeping close tabs on him.

While no official offer has been submitted yet, sources close to Valdebebas insist that he remains at the very top of the club’s summer shortlist for defensive reinforcements.

Would love to play for the club

When asked directly whether he would like to play for Real Madrid, the Spaniard gave a measured but telling response.

Dean Huijsen would love to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

“Well… It’s a big team. Every player wants to play as far as possible, you know? I don’t know, but we’ll see what happens.”

It is the kind of answer that suggests he is keeping his cards close to his chest—but there is no denying the glint in his eye when Madrid is mentioned.

Meanwhile, he was also full of praise for Carlo Ancelotti, who continues to attract admiration from players across Europe.

“I think he is a very good coach. He is not at Real Madrid for nothing, he has something special.”

Competition with Bayern Munich

It must be noted that with David Alaba facing uncertainty due to recurring injuries and Antonio Rudiger not getting any younger, Real Madrid are actively looking to secure a long-term solution for their backline.

Huijsen, with his imposing physique, tactical maturity, and ball-playing qualities, fits the bill perfectly for a club planning for the future.

However, Los Blancos are not alone in this pursuit. Bayern Munich have also added Huijsen to their shortlist for next season, which could set up an intense transfer battle in the coming months.