How Huijsen Real Madrid move could ruin Chelsea’s interest in another top young defender | OneFootball

The major transfer news for Chelsea last week was not good – it looks very much like their top centre back target Dean Huijsen has decided to join Real Madrid.

After a decent spell where we looked like favourites, suddenly it seems almost impossible that he ends up anywhere other than the Bernabeu. It’s frustrating, given how good he’s looking in the Premier League and how much we clearly wanted him. The fact he has a £50m release clause is even more frustrating. But at least there is plenty of time to find an alternative.

Chelsea looking further down their list after missing Huijsen

Ilya Zabarnyi playing for Bournemouth. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

To find one alternative, our scouts wouldn’t have to look very far – just across to the other side of the pitch. Ilya Zabarnyi has been excellent for the Cherries as well this season, and is probably not getting as much hype as he should have simply because Huijsen is in the team dominating the headlines.

But Zabayrni is a player we’ve been linked with before, and now it seems the rumours are back with a vengeance with Huijsen off the table. CaughtOffside today claim we’re looking at the 22 year old, ready to rival Newcastle for the Ukraine defender’s signature.

Spurs are also named as interested parties.

Bournemouth could ask for huge money for

With key man Huijsen on the way out, Bournemouth are likely to really dig their heels in over the 22 year old, that’s one issue. His lack of release clause and fact he’s on a long contract means they can dig their heels in and refuse all comers if they really want.

While he has all the aspects of the sort of signing we like to make, we will be prepared to walk away if Bournemouth ask for silly money, and right now that looks very possible.