Over the past few hours, the rumour mill has been abuzz with speculations about Real Madrid growing confident about signing Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who has a €58 million (£50 million) release clause in his contract, has emerged as the top target for Los Blancos, with the club now taking concrete steps towards securing his signing ahead of clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Now, according to journalists Rodra P and Jorge C Picon, although the deal has not been finalised, recent developments suggest that Huijsen is getting ever so closer to wearing the white of Real Madrid.
A key moment came in recent days with a meeting between Huijsen’s representatives and Real Madrid, bringing the transfer to the brink of completion.
Indeed, Ali Barat and Don Huijsen, representatives of the player, met with Real Madrid recently to push forward the negotiations.
The Merengues’ leadership is fully aware that Huijsen’s priority is a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, above the many other offers he has received. For this reason, the player is currently holding off on other proposals.
The next few days will be critical in resolving the situation and confirming what now looks increasingly likely: a move to Real Madrid.
The main obstacle had been the €58 million release clause. However, this is not expected to be a major issue as his contract with Bournemouth includes an option for the amount to be paid over three years, significantly reducing the immediate financial burden.
Despite this, there has not yet been direct contact between Real Madrid and Bournemouth. While there is growing optimism, the Merengues are cautious due to previous experiences with players like Leny Yoro or Alphonso Davies.
What is certain is that Real Madrid intend to sign a centre-back this summer, and Huijsen is the preferred option. Other names are on the table as contingency plans, but they are hopeful that an agreement with the player and Bournemouth will be reached soon.