£50M Liverpool target spotted holding Newcastle United shirt amid summer transfer links

Dean Huijsen has sparked speculation about his future after being seen holding a Newcastle United shirt in a social media post. The 19-year-old defender, who has impressed since joining AFC Bournemouth from Juventus, is widely expected to attract significant interest during the summer transfer window.

His performances have drawn attention, and with a £50 million release clause set to become active, clubs looking to bolster their defense will likely explore the possibility of signing the Spain Under-21 international.

Bournemouth stands to make a substantial profit should Huijsen depart, having initially signed him for less than £15 million in 2024. The young defender showcased his ability in a dominant 4-1 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park, a performance that only strengthened the Magpies’ reported interest.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle remains in constant communication with Bournemouth regarding Huijsen’s situation, further fueling speculation that a move could be on the horizon.

Adding to the intrigue, Huijsen recently shared an image on Instagram where he was seen holding an Alexander Isak Newcastle United shirt while browsing his collection.

Fans with a keen eye also noticed a Liverpool third shirt underneath, intensifying discussions about where he might end up. The timing of the post coincides with ongoing rumors linking him to both Newcastle and Liverpool, though whether this was intentional or merely a coincidence remains unclear.

Naturally, the post has captured the imagination of fans across social media, but reading too much into it at this stage might be premature.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Huijsen aligns with the club’s clear need to strengthen its defensive options and inject youth into an ageing backline. Recent activity in the transfer market highlights this strategy, with Lloyd Kelly moving to Juventus on loan in a deal that includes an obligation to buy for approximately £20 million.

Interestingly, a unique transfer cycle has emerged involving Huijsen and Kelly over the past year. Bournemouth brought in Huijsen following Kelly’s departure, only for Kelly to later sign for Juventus, the club Huijsen previously played for. Now, with Kelly set for a permanent move to Italy, Newcastle could turn their attention to Huijsen as a long-term defensive solution.

The Magpies have prioritized defensive reinforcements, and Huijsen’s age, profile, and skill set make him an attractive prospect. With Sven Botman as the only senior center-back under the age of 30, Newcastle recognizes the importance of securing young talent to build for the future.

The £50 million release clause in Huijsen’s contract simplifies negotiations compared to the challenges faced last summer when attempting to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. This clause could give Newcastle a more straightforward path to securing a high-caliber defender without drawn-out discussions.

While speculation continues to swirl, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Newcastle can finalize a deal for Huijsen. His performances for Bournemouth have demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, and his potential move could mark a significant step in Newcastle’s defensive restructuring.

As the summer window approaches, all eyes will be on how the Magpies navigate the market to secure the right additions to strengthen their squad.