Summary of "Why Does Everyone Want Dean Huijsen?" – The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode Title: Why Does Everyone Want Dean Huijsen?
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: David Ornstein, Mark Carey, Phil Hay, James Pearce, Liam Toomey, Guillermo Ray
Podcast: The Athletic FC Podcast

1. Introduction

In the April 24, 2025 episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves into the burgeoning interest surrounding Dean Huijsen, a 20-year-old central defender currently plying his trade with Bournemouth. With only 22 Premier League starts, Huijsen has captured the attention of top-tier clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and even Real Madrid. This episode dissects what makes Huijsen a coveted asset in modern football and explores which clubs might activate his impressive £50 million release clause.

2. Dean Huijsen's Rise to Prominence

David Ornstein opens the discussion by highlighting Huijsen's remarkable ascent in the Premier League despite his youth and limited appearances:

"[02:16] David Ornstein: 'Dean Huijsen is certainly a man in demand, which is fairly remarkable for a player of such a young age and who has been operating in the Premier League for such a short space of time.'"

Huijsen's prior experience with Juventus and Roma academies has equipped him with a solid foundation, allowing him to excel at Bournemouth under the management of Andoni Iriola.

3. Widespread Interest from Premier League Clubs

The podcast delves into the specifics of Huijsen's desirability among top clubs. David Ornstein enumerates the interested parties:

"[02:16] David Ornstein: 'Leading the chase in alphabetical order, is Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool. There are others in the frame, such as Newcastle United and Tottenham.'"

While Real Madrid has shown personal appeal to Huijsen, Ornstein notes their current inability to proceed with a transfer, making Premier League destinations more probable.

4. Analyzing Huijsen's Attributes

Phil Hay provides an in-depth analysis of Huijsen's playing style, emphasizing his modern center-back qualities:

"[03:59] Phil Hay: 'He is the modern day centre back… strong on the ball, steps out well in carrying the ball, progressing the play… can play on either foot with a diagonal to either side and spread the play.'"

Mark Carey, the senior data analyst, adds to this by discussing Huijsen's two-footedness and tactical versatility:

"[06:21] Mark Carey: 'He's two-footed and really accomplished on his right, giving versatility and adaptability—a godsend for coaches.'"

These attributes align with the evolving demands of modern football, where defenders are expected not only to thwart attacks but also to initiate offensive plays.

5. Potential Fit with Interested Clubs

Liverpool's Consideration

James Pearce from Liverpool outlines how Huijsen could integrate into Jurgen Klopp's system:

"[19:23] James Pearce: 'Huijsen has the potential to be Van Dijk's long-term successor… his two-footedness complements the current defensive lineup, allowing for tactical flexibility.'"

Carey further elaborates on Liverpool's high-pressing, aggressive playing style, suggesting that Huijsen's attributes would harmonize well:

"[21:15] Mark Carey: 'With Andoni Iriola’s aggressive playing style, Liverpool’s system would allow Huijsen to hit the ground running.'"

Chelsea's Interest

Liam Toomey discusses Chelsea's defensive needs and how Huijsen fits into Frank Lampard's plans:

"[26:44] Liam Toomey: 'Dean Huijsen fits Chelsea’s profile as a ball-playing center back… his ability to make decisions with the ball and defend in space aligns with Enzo Maresca’s tactical requirements.'"

However, Ryan Reynolds offers a critical perspective on Chelsea's internal dynamics and financial strategies, questioning the practicality of the move:

"[28:32] Ryan Reynolds: 'Chelsea's strategy still looks pretty confused from the outside… Hoijsen’s next move would likely require him to prove himself at the top bracket.'"

Real Madrid's Prospective Move

Guillermo Ray, the Real Madrid correspondent, explains Madrid's interest despite financial hesitations:

"[38:04] Guillermo Ray: 'Real Madrid views Huijsen as a long-term investment… his completeness both on and off the ball makes him an ideal candidate to address their central defense issues.'"

Ray emphasizes that Madrid's recruitment is often conservative, but Huijsen's potential longevity and skill set make him an attractive prospect.

6. Transfer Market Context and Comparisons

The episode contextualizes Huijsen's potential transfer within the broader market for young center-backs. David Ornstein compares Huijsen to other sought-after defenders like Jonathan Tarr, Piero Hincapi, and Jan Paul Van Hecker, highlighting the competitive landscape:

"[30:40] David Ornstein: 'There are plenty of young center backs across Europe, but Huijsen’s combination of youth and Premier League experience sets him apart.'"

Phil Hay suggests that clubs might prioritize investing in young, versatile defenders like Huijsen to secure long-term stability:

"[35:30] Phil Hay: 'Clubs are looking for center backs who can adapt and grow, making Huijsen’s early career trajectory highly appealing.'"

7. Fit Outside the Premier League

While the Premier League is the primary focus, the podcast briefly touches on the possibility of Huijsen moving to other top European leagues, such as La Liga or even the Bundesliga with teams like Bayern Munich. However, the consensus leans towards a Premier League move being the most likely scenario due to the league's high visibility and competitive nature.

8. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Ayo Akinwolere wraps up the episode by emphasizing the critical summer transfer window ahead:

"[44:07] Ryan Reynolds: 'It's more likely a Premier League move for Huijsen… his stock is at a premium now, making this summer pivotal for his career trajectory.'"

The discussion concludes with the acknowledgment that while multiple clubs are vying for Huijsen's signature, his best fit seems to be within the Premier League, where his skills can be fully utilized and further developed.

Ayo Akinwolere encourages listeners to stay tuned for future developments, as the transfer saga surrounding Dean Huijsen promises to be a highlight of the upcoming summer.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• David Ornstein [02:16]:

  "Leading the chase in alphabetical order, is Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool."

• Phil Hay [03:59]:

  "He is the modern day centre back… strong on the ball, steps out well in carrying the ball, progressing the play… can play on either foot with a diagonal to either side and spread the play."

• Mark Carey [06:21]:

  "He's two-footed and really accomplished on his right, giving versatility and adaptability—a godsend for coaches."

• James Pearce [19:23]:

  "Huijsen has the potential to be Van Dijk's long-term successor… his two-footedness complements the current defensive lineup, allowing for tactical flexibility."

• Liam Toomey [26:44]:

  "Dean Huijsen fits Chelsea’s profile as a ball-playing center back… his ability to make decisions with the ball and defend in space aligns with Enzo Maresca’s tactical requirements."

• Guillermo Ray [38:04]:

  "Real Madrid views Huijsen as a long-term investment… his completeness both on and off the ball makes him an ideal candidate to address their central defense issues."

• Ryan Reynolds [44:07]:

  "It's more likely a Premier League move for Huijsen… his stock is at a premium now, making this summer pivotal for his career trajectory."

Key Takeaways:

• Dean Huijsen is a highly sought-after young center back with exceptional two-footed abilities and ball-playing skills.

• Top Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are interested in activating his £50 million release clause.

• Real Madrid's interest adds a significant dimension to the transfer speculation, although financial and strategic considerations may influence their pursuit.

• Huijsen's versatility and modern defensive attributes make him a valuable long-term investment for any elite club.

• The upcoming summer transfer window is crucial for determining Huijsen's next career move, with the Premier League being the most probable destination.

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Dean Huijsen's rising prominence in European football, examining his attributes, the interest from major clubs, and the strategic fit he offers. Whether Huijsen will secure a move to one of Europe's elite clubs or continue his development at Bournemouth remains to be seen, but his future certainly looks bright.