It was a switch that went beneath the radar in the summertime of 2024. However lower than 12 months later, £12m has became £50m.
On the again finish of July, earlier than the window had even acquired going, Bournemouth signed a younger 19-year-old defender from Juventus. That man was Dean Huijsen.
One look for ‘The Previous Girl’ and 13 for Roma in 2023/24 did not precisely say he was the following neatest thing, however now he actually is. Bournemouth clearly noticed one thing that others did not. That they had perception, a plan, and their current recruitment suggests they’ll spot the particular sauce. And Huijsen is oozing high quality.
Monday 14th April 6:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
It is no secret that Huijsen’s £50m launch clause can be activated by somebody this summer season, however with a number of huge hitters all keen to pay it, Huijsen could have his decide, and in response to the media – he can actually go wherever.
From Actual Madrid to Liverpool, Newcastle to Barcelona, the queue to get him goes around the block and again once more.
However like most gamers when speaking about their future, he would not be drawn on these hyperlinks.
Huijsen, sat down on the contemporary grass on the membership’s new efficiency centre appeared in a relaxed temper. The massive cash, and massive transfer speak hasn’t phased him one bit; “I’m very calm,” he stated, “I do not actually deal with it, now will not be the time, I am simply targeted on ending the season properly.
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Highlights from the Premier League as West Ham took on Bournemouth
“My dad is my agent, he fixes everything, I don’t read anything, I don’t think about it too much, I’m just focusing on my football and working hard.”
Huijsen was additionally coy on the rumoured launch clause as properly, “I’m just focused on making history at this club,” he says with a smile, and I imagine him.
His team-mates consult with him as ‘The Chill Man’ – and you’ll see why. Regardless of the price ticket on his shoulders, he is simply loving his soccer.
Bournemouth have the fourth-best residence defensive report within the top-flight, all because of the youngest centre-back partnership within the Premier League. It truly is a case of, should you’re adequate, you are sufficiently old.
Huijsen joined Bournemouth from Juventus final summer season
Huijsen added: “We’ve got a lot of good young players; we’ve got players that can make a big move or that are worth a lot of money. It just shows how smart the club has been with scouting, investing in players and trusting young players.
He added, “It isn’t straightforward to belief younger gamers in a giant league just like the Premier League. That is what this membership has carried out and it is paid off.”
At the heart of their defensive resilience alongside 20-year-old Huijsen is 22 year-old Illia Zabarnyi – who is also being monitored by clubs at the top end of the footballing pyramid.
And that shouldn’t be a surprise. He’s also developed into an outstanding defender since his arrival at the club from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023, and improved throughout the course of this season.
The 20-year-old made his senior Spain debut in March
Not solely has Huijsen made his senior Spain debut in the previous couple of weeks – after switching allegiance from the Netherlands – however he has had such a formidable first season in England. Targets, clear sheets and a capability to maintain calm on the ball are all of the attributes wished from a defender lately.
Zabarnyi is aware of the significance of a strong relationship and the way a lot that’s key to Bournemouth’s defensive success.
“It comes with training, it comes with the more games you play together, you know when to cover for each other and that helps the relationship. You have to be supportive to each other. Yes, we are young, but on the pitch it doesn’t feel like we’re young.”
Bournemouth can boast a greater residence defence than Aston Villa, Man Metropolis, Newcastle and Chelsea, such has been their spectacular residence type this season.
However their current type is the issue, and it might price them Europe. No wins in six Premier League video games, although that would change shortly. A win in opposition to Fulham they usually’ll leap frog the Whites on purpose distinction.
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The Bournemouth gamers see their state-of-the-art new coaching facility at Canford Magna for the primary time and take to the pitches. Credit score: AFC Bournemouth
Zabarnyi defined: “The last couple of weeks we didn’t deserve anything. Now we need to be more focused. We’ve had time to work on the small things and show everyone, including ourselves, that we can win matches.”
Huijsen added: “We’re only three points off the top eight. We’ve got seven games to go, so there’s more than enough time. Every team over a season has these periods, everything is still open and we have everything to play for.”
Bournemouth may simply get some luck this season, because the European spots may shuffle down so far as tenth, however earlier than they fear about which place leaves them the place through which European competitors, they should begin profitable video games once more. And that should begin once more Fulham.
Watch Bournemouth vs Fulham stay on Sky Sports activities Premier League and Principal Occasion from 6.30pm on Monday; kick-off 8pm.
