Liverpool suffer blow as transfer target makes Real Madrid confession

Dean Huijsen has let slip that his contract includes a release clause as he made some interesting comments about Real Madrid. are also among the clubs said to be interested in signing him, but the Spain international appears to have cooled that speculation.

Huijsen joined last summer in a transfer potentially rising to £15.3million, signing a six-year deal with the side. Despite only being with the Cherries for one season, the young defender is already being linked with a swift departure.

The 19-year-old has racked up 29 appearances across all competitions this campaign, netting twice, and has been instrumental in squad pushing for European qualification. His performances have caught attention across the continent, with Huijsen earning his first cap for Spain after being called up to the senior national team for the first time last month.

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The centre back is now reportedly on the radar of several elite clubs, including Liverpool, , , and . Liverpool view Huijsen as a potential replacement for , whose Anfield contract expires this summer. However, they'd still consider signing him even if Van Dijk ends up staying.

When confirming the existence of a release clause in his Bournemouth contract, believed to be worth £50m, Huijsen hinted that Real Madrid could be his likeliest destination, especially since his friends have been urging him to make the move.

"I have a contract until 2030, [but] I do have a [release] clause," he told El Chiringuito TV, as quoted by . "I don't know [if I will join Real Madrid], we'll see.

"It's a big team. Every player wants to play in the maximum [level] possible. A friend called me and said, 'Go to Real Madrid'. I laughed. What am I going to say?"

Huijsen gave another subtle nod toward a potential transfer to the Spanish capital, naming a Los Blancos legend as his footballing inspiration and praising the club's current head coach.

"Sergio Ramos has been my idol since I was little," he admitted, before adding: "[Carlo Ancelotti] is a very good manager. He's not at Real Madrid for nothing. He deserves credit."

If Huijsen does secure a move to Madrid this summer, he may not be the only current Premier League star making the move. Liverpool's is understood to have with the giants ahead of a possible free transfer this summer, with his Reds contract expiring at the end of the season.

Huijsen began his senior career at , but only made one appearance for the Old Lady before joining on loan. Despite impressing during his short stint at the Stadio Olimpico, Huijsen was allowed to leave Juventus permanently when Bournemouth tabled their offer.

The youngster has both Spanish and Dutch heritage. He spent several years playing for the Netherlands' youth teams, but switched allegiances to Spain in 2024.

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