Newcastle United are interested in signing Dean Huijsen, as they get set to target a centre-back this summer.

The Magpies have failed to sign a centre-back during the previous two transfer window. Newcastle tried to sign Marc Guehi last summer, but ultimately could not strike a deal with Crystal Palace for the England international. In January, Newcastle nearly signed Abdukodir Khusanov. Unfortunately, PSR concerns resulted in Toon officials not paying the money required to sign the 20-year-old.

Now attention turns towards the summer, with Newcastle eyeing three signings. One of those signings will be a right-sided centre-back, with Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell eager to acquire Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement.
That could lead them to Bournemouth. Newcastle are interested in Illia Zabarnyi, but he is not the only Cherries defender that the Magpies are looking at.
Newcastle are also interested in Dean Huijsen, whose £50million release clause will be active this summer.

That fee would make him Newcastle’s third most expensive signing ever, but the figures involved will seemingly not put Toon officials off.

According to the i Paper, Newcastle United know that they are able to compete for Huijsen’s signature due to their improved financial situation.
Newcastle’s PSR position has been boosted by Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly’s departure, and that should allow them to heavily invest during the summer transfer window.

That is encouraging, with the i Paper adding that the Magpies are one of the three most interested Premier League clubs in Huijsen alongside Chelsea and Liverpool.
A deal worth £50million would make Huijsen the most expensive defender in Newcastle United’s history, with that honour currently belonging to Sven Botman. The 25-year-old cost around £35million from Lille in 2022.

However, Huijsen would certainly be a worthwhile investment.

He has been exceptional for Bournemouth this season, showcasing the talents that would make him an ideal replacement for Fabian Schar. He is outstanding on the ball, while the potential to improve even further is clear for all to see at the age of 19-years-old.

If Newcastle do sign Huijsen, he will eventually go on to be Sven Botman’s long-term centre-back partner. They could be a formidable duo, as Paul Mitchell sets about evolving this Newcastle United squad.

Securing a deal for a player as young and talented and Huijsen would mean that Eddie Howe’s back four is completely settled for the next few years. As well as Botman, Huijsen would join Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, who are 22-year-old and 20-year-old respectively.