Barcelona have reportedly taken a formal step in their efforts to sign highly regarded Spanish central defender Dean Huijsen, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The 20-year-old talent has been gaining widespread attention from several top-tier European clubs, and he now finds himself at the center of a heated transfer race.
Currently, Real Madrid are considered to be the leading contenders to secure Huijsen’s signature. A recent report from Relevo revealed that representatives from Los Blancos held an important meeting with the player’s agent to explore the possibility of bringing him to the Santiago Bernabéu. It is believed that Huijsen personally favors a move to Madrid, which strengthens their position in the competition.
Nonetheless, Real Madrid are not the only club interested in acquiring his services. Premier League heavyweights such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all said to be keeping a close eye on developments, as is German powerhouse Bayern Munich, making the battle for Huijsen’s transfer increasingly competitive.
Barcelona’s involvement could be an indication that the club is preparing for potential changes in their defensive lineup—particularly concerning Ronald Araújo. The Uruguayan center-back has been linked with a possible departure from Camp Nou, reportedly due to frustrations over inconsistent playing time and growing interest from clubs abroad.
Dean Huijsen, who is praised for his calm demeanor under pressure, excellent ball control, and footballing intelligence that exceeds his age, is seen as an ideal fit for Barcelona’s vision of rebuilding their defense for the future. However, successfully convincing him to choose them over Real Madrid—especially if he is already leaning toward a move to the capital—would be a formidable task.
With numerous elite European clubs expressing interest and both of Spain’s biggest football institutions involved, the decision surrounding Dean Huijsen’s future is shaping up to be one of the most closely followed and talked-about transfer sagas of the summer window.
