Chelsea have clear needs in their squad in striker and goalkeeper that even the most casual fan can see but there is another glaring need in defense as well. Centerback is a position where Chelsea have a lot depth but not necessarily the quality that you need to be a true title contender.
Players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and even Levi Colwill are solid members of the squad but are not players that should be the first name on a team sheet. So if Chelsea are to make a serious push for trophies in the 2025-26 season, they should be completely in on Dean Huijsen of FC Bournemouth.
Huijsen has been one of Bournemouth’s best players this season as the Cherries have been making a serious push for a European place next season. They currently sit 7th in the Premier League table but are just 3 points behind Chelsea in fourth.
The Spanish defender joined the Cherries from Juventus after a solid season on loan with Roma and he has improved with every passing match. According to FotMob he is the second highest-rated player on the Bournemouth squad behind Antoine Semenyo who has also been linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer. He is one of the highest rated defenders in the Premier League period and has two man of the match awards to his name as well.
The young defender was born in the Netherlands but currently represents Spain at the U21 level. He has played for the Netherlands from U16 to U19 but made the switch to Spain in 2024. He speaks four languages and is the son of former Ajax and AZ Alkmaar attacker Donny Huysen so he has the football pedigree in many ways.
Huijsen has the physical profile you look for in a centerback, standing tall at 6’5” to deal with aerial attacks and has the pace to keep up with the speediest attackers in the league as well. Transfermarkt has him valued at £15 million currently but we should expect that to double or triple as he continues to excel.
The likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in his services and we know how quickly that price tag can jump when you're involved in a bidding war with those giants of European football. Their interest is further proof of Huijsen’s quality and should embolden the Blues to go after this young defender and continue to build a squad worthy of challenging for the Premier League title.