Real Madrid Target Ex-Juventus and Roma Defender Amid Defensive Crisis

According to reports from Spain, Real Madrid are exploring the possibility of signing former Juventus and Roma defender Dean Huijsen to reinforce their injury-plagued defense. This comes just six months after the 19-year-old Dutch-Spanish center-back joined Premier League side Bournemouth from Juventus.

Spanish outlet Diario AS claims Huijsen is high on Madrid’s list of defensive targets as they look to cope with injuries to key players like Eder Militao, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, as well as the departure of Nacho Fernandez. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have reportedly been monitoring Huijsen since his time in Malaga’s youth system.

Huijsen left Juventus permanently last summer, joining Bournemouth for around €15 million plus add-ons after a loan spell at Roma. While no specific price tag has been mentioned, Bournemouth would likely demand a significantly higher fee to part with the promising defender.

Despite making just 12 Premier League appearances so far, Huijsen has shown his goalscoring ability from defense recently, netting twice in his last five games including one against Manchester United. The teenager has also broken into Spain’s Under-21 squad over the past year, earning seven caps.

With his dual Dutch-Spanish nationality, strong aerial presence and eye for goal, Huijsen appears to fit the profile Real Madrid are seeking as they aim to shore up their backline for the second half of the season. However, prising him away from Bournemouth mid-season could prove challenging and costly for the Spanish giants.