The clock is ticking toward the final moments of the winter transfer window, and Newcastle United is certainly not going quietly into the night. In a move that has stunned many in the footballing world, the Magpies have reportedly launched an ambitious, last-minute attempt to sign Real Madrid’s rising star, Dean Huijsen.
This sudden pursuit comes at the end of a deadline day that began with a high-stakes defensive battle for Newcastle not on the pitch, but in the boardroom.
Earlier today, the Tyneside hierarchy was forced to deal with a sudden wave of rumors suggesting that Arsenal had made contact to sign Sandro Tonali. The Gunners were reportedly looking for an emergency replacement for the injured Mikel Merino and viewed the Italian maestro as the perfect fix.
However, Newcastle’s response was swift and uncompromising. Club officials described the reports as “complete rubbish,” making it clear that Tonali is a non-negotiable part of Eddie Howe’s long-term project. With that distraction out of the way, the recruitment team has pivoted toward bringing in a statement signing of their own.
That statement signing appears to be Dean Huijsen. According to sources in Spain, Newcastle tabled a substantial offer of approximately €40 million, which translates to about £35 million, to bring the young defender back to England.
However, Real Madrid was quick to shut the door on that initial proposal. The Spanish giants only acquired Huijsen from Bournemouth last summer in a deal worth £50 million, and they are understandably unwilling to let a 20-year-old with his immense potential leave for anything less than a significant profit.
If Newcastle wants to make this dream a reality, they will likely have to reach much deeper into their pockets. Reports suggest that Real Madrid has set a firm asking price of €70 million, or £61 million.
While that is a staggering amount for a player who only moved six months ago, many experts believe Huijsen would be worth the investment. He is a rare breed of modern center-back who combines traditional defensive grit with the ball-playing composure typically found in elite midfielders.
Among those who have previously sung Huijsen’s praises is none other than Newcastle legend Alan Shearer. During the defender’s breakout campaign at Bournemouth, Shearer was left deeply impressed by his maturity, labeling his performances as “outstanding.”
High praise from the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer carries significant weight, especially when it concerns a player who could potentially anchor Newcastle’s defense for the next decade. The idea of pairing Huijsen with Malick Thiaw is a tantalizing prospect for fans; it would create a young, athletic, and technically gifted partnership capable of competing with the very best in the Champions League.
However, the path to a £61 million deal is filled with hurdles. Aside from the financial magnitude, there is the issue of time. Negotiating a record-breaking transfer with Real Madrid is rarely a quick process, and with only a few hours remaining before the 11:00 PM deadline, Newcastle is truly racing against the clock.
There is also the matter of the player’s own ambition. Having worked his way to the biggest club in the world, Huijsen may be reluctant to give up on his “Galactico” dream so soon, even if the promise of regular first-team football in the Premier League is a powerful lure.
While the Huijsen saga takes center stage, other names continue to swirl around St. James’ Park. Jhon Duran is another player who has been linked with a move to the Magpies.
The former Aston Villa striker is reportedly looking for a way back to the English top flight after a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia and a loan period in Turkey. His agents have allegedly offered his services to Newcastle, providing a potential alternative if the deal for a high-profile defender fails to materialize.
Ultimately, the pursuit of a player like Dean Huijsen shows a level of ambition that should excite the Newcastle faithful. Even if they fall short of the £61 million valuation in these final hours, the fact that the club is even at the table for a Real Madrid starter speaks volumes about their new status in world football.
It is a clear message to the rest of the Premier League: Newcastle is no longer content with just being “competitive” they want the best talent on the planet.
As the deadline draws near, the corridors of the training ground will be a hive of activity. Whether they manage to pull off this “statement” signing or have to wait until the summer to address their defensive needs, this deadline day has proven that Newcastle United is ready to play in the big leagues.
