Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle are ‘making calls’ to sign exciting ‘wonderkid’ for Howe

Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to make a significant investment in their defense this summer, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen emerging as a top target.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s GIVEMESPORT transfer newsletter, the Magpies are strongly considering a move for the young center-back as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. Fresh off their historic League Cup triumph—their first major trophy in 70 years—Newcastle are eager to build on their success by attracting top talent with the promise of European football and further silverware.

The need for defensive reinforcements is clear. With Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles out of contract this summer, Newcastle’s center-back options will be limited to Sven Botman, Dan Burn, and Emil Krafth.

Burn, who will turn 33 by the end of the season, and Krafth, set to reach 31 at the start of the next campaign, highlight the urgency for younger, long-term solutions in defense. Huijsen, just 19 years old, fits the profile of a player who could partner Botman and provide stability for years to come.

Since joining Bournemouth from Juventus last summer, Huijsen has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders.

After a slow start, he made his mark with a match-winning goal against Tottenham Hotspur in his first home start. From there, he became a regular fixture in Bournemouth’s lineup, contributing to a 10-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and scoring in a memorable 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Liverpool, reportedly monitoring his progress.

Huijsen’s statistics underscore his impact at Bournemouth. He ranks first in clearances (5.5 per game), aerial duels won (2.1 per game), and interceptions (1.8 per game) among his teammates, showcasing his defensive prowess.

His match rating of 6.96 places him fifth in the squad, further highlighting his consistency and maturity beyond his years. These attributes make him an ideal candidate to strengthen Newcastle’s backline, which has shown vulnerabilities at times this season.

Romano has confirmed that Newcastle are among the clubs vying for Huijsen’s signature, describing the Magpies as one of several teams “calling” for the defender.

The allure of Champions League football and the opportunity to compete for trophies could give Newcastle an edge in the race for his services. Sky Sports writer Nick Wright has even labeled Huijsen a “wonderkid,” a testament to his rapid rise and potential to become one of Europe’s elite defenders.

Born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain, Huijsen has chosen to represent La Roja at the international level. He made his senior debut for Spain in a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, further cementing his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. His ability to perform on the big stage, combined with his physical and technical attributes, makes him a highly sought-after prospect.

For Newcastle, securing Huijsen would represent a statement of intent as they aim to establish themselves as a consistent force in English and European football.

His arrival would not only address their immediate defensive needs but also provide a long-term solution to partner Botman. With the Magpies’ recent success and ambitious project under Eddie Howe, they are well-positioned to attract top talent like Huijsen.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle fans will be eagerly watching to see if the club can fend off competition from Europe’s elite and bring Huijsen to St. James’ Park.

His potential signing would signal the next phase of Newcastle’s evolution, as they look to build on their League Cup triumph and compete for even greater honors in the seasons to come.