Five Dean Huijsen alternatives for Premier League teams | OneFootball

Real Madrid have won the race to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, securing the coveted centre-back ahead of Premier League clubs.

The Spanish side beat competition from the Premier League to land the 20-year-old, activating his £50m release clause. A number of England’s elite were actively pursuing Huijsen, but will now look to alternatives in the market.

We’ve picked out five intriguing options who could be Dean Huijsen alternatives for Premier League teams.

Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig)

RB Leipzig have endured a disappointing campaign to miss out on European football. That blow could lead to major sales with Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons expected to move on. Joining them could be Castello Lukeba, the latest sought-after centre-back to impress in Leipzig.

The 22-yer-old has all the attributes required of a modern centre-back. He’s spent time in a back four and back three, with the latter role requiring him to cover large spaces behind an attacking wing-back.

Lukeba’s athletic capabilities allow him to defend well in wide areas when required, while he’s front-footed when there is an opportunity to counter-press or carry. In terms of numbers, he ranks in the top 2% of centre-backs in Europe’s top leagues for attempted take-ons and successful take-ons per 90 minutes.

The Frenchman has a release clause of €90m, though Leipzig would entertain offers in the region of €70m (£58.8m).

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Marc Guehi’s reputation has been on the rise across the last 12 months. After injuries provided an unexpected key role for England last summer, he impressed as the Three Lions reached the final of Euro 2024.

This season, he’s again proven dependable for Crystal Palace and captained the club to FA Cup success – the club’s first-ever major trophy. Palace have turned down bids of around £70m from Newcastle and Tottenham in recent transfer windows, but could be forced to cash in this summer. Guehi has just 12 months to run on his deal at Selhurst Park.

Still just 24, and with plenty of experience leading a Premier League side, Guehi could be a smart alternative to Huijsen as a left-sided centre-back.

Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen)

Left-footed, comfortable on the ball, and with a attainable release clause, there’s plenty of similarities between Huijsen and Piero Hincapie.

The latter has attracted admirers from across Europe after four solid seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. Hincapie was part of the Leverkusen side that won a German league and cup double without losing last season and has racked up 114 Bundesliga games and 44 international caps despite only turning 23 in January.

The Colombian centre-back has operated at full-back and on the left-hand side of a three-man central defence. His numbers, progressively, are particularly impressive. Hincapie ranks in the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, crosses, and carries into the final third, and in the 93rd percentile for tackles won. His ability to stride forward has been a key part of Leverkusen’s flexible system under Xabi Alonso.

A move has not been ruled out with a €60m release clause in his contract.

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

A Premier League proven option with plenty to like.

Murillo has been a monstrous presence in Nottingham Forest’s unexpected European qualification, with the Brazilian a fantastic find. The 22-year-old had played just 13 league games for Corinthians when Forest made their move, a £12.6m deal that has paid dividends.

He was named the club’s Player of the Season in 2023/24, before forming an excellent partnership with Nikola Milenkovic this time around. Murillo leads the Premier League for clearances (236) and successful take-on percentage (78.8%) and ranks second for blocks (67).

The broad-shouldered Brazilian combines strength and speed with raking long distribution and deceptively nimble footwork. Forest will want a huge offer for his services.

Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)

Goncalo Inacio has been regularly linked with England in recent transfer windows.

The Sporting centre-back has shone in back-to-back Primeira Liga triumphs for the Portuguese side and could move on in search of a new challenge.

Inacio ranks among the top 10 players in the Primeira Liga for progressive carrying distance (1st), passes into the final third (2nd), touches (4th), progressive passes (5th) and pass completion (10th). In addition, the 23-year-old’s shown his goalscoring threat with six goals across all competitions.

Excellent on the ball, the measure of Inacio will come with a move to a top-five league and, perhaps, performances as part of a back four. Manchester United and former Sportin boss Ruben Amorim have been linked.

Read – Four teams who have ended trophy droughts in 2024/25

See more – Premier League clubs who have won a major trophy more recently than Arsenal

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