Liam Rosenior
January 2026
Rosenior says Chelsea are open to January business but will only act if the target is the right fit, with defence a key focus after injuries. Chelsea are assessing internal options while discussing potential incomings and outgoings with the board, with reports linking them to ball-playing centre-backs and also noting interest in adding a midfielder and versatile attacker.
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
November 2025
Real Madrid confirmed Thibaut Courtois will miss the Champions League trip to Olympiacos after being diagnosed with a viral gastrointestinal infection, while Dean Huijsen has also been ruled out. The setback removes one of Madrid’s most trusted starters from a key away fixture. Courtois left Valdebebas before training and medical tests later revealed the infection, prompting the club to withdraw him from the travelling squad and monitor his recovery. His availability for the upcoming league game against Girona is unclear, forcing Madrid to lean again on their reserve goalkeeping options.
Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)
October 2025
Huijsen has withdrawn from Spain’s World Cup qualifiers after sustaining a left leg muscle injury. The centre-back, a summer arrival from Bournemouth, has been key under Xabi Alonso and played the full match in Madrid’s 3-1 win over Villarreal.
Tests confirmed a soleus strain, ruling Huijsen out of Spain’s clashes with Georgia and Bulgaria. His absence compounds Madrid’s defensive issues, with Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold already injured, as Alonso hopes for a swift recovery before facing Getafe.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
September 2025
William Saliba has asked for urgent contract talks with Arsenal as Real Madrid circle. His current deal expires in 2027, and Los Blancos want him as a long-term partner for Dean Huijsen, with Alaba and Rudiger likely leaving. Madrid have warned their offer disappears if Saliba renews at Arsenal. Meanwhile, the defender’s camp will demand higher wages to commit long-term. Madrid are also considering Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté as a cheaper fallback option if Arsenal refuse to sell.
Real Madrid
September 2025
Real Madrid are challenging Spain’s refereeing structure after Dean Huijsen’s controversial red card in their 2-1 win at Real Sociedad. The Technical Committee of Referees will review the incident, with VAR official Figueroa Vazquez likely to be sidelined for failing to intervene. Madrid plan to escalate complaints to FIFA, submitting reports of refereeing errors across two seasons. The club’s official channel condemned the decision, accusing officials of damaging sporting integrity, and called for international oversight to improve Spanish officiating standards in the wake of repeated controversies.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth > Real Madrid)
May 2025
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola believes Dean Huijsen is ready to succeed at Real Madrid after the 20-year-old’s £50m move was confirmed ahead of the Club World Cup.
Iraola praised Huijsen’s maturity and talent, saying he expects the young defender to thrive despite the high competition at Real. The centre-back joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12.8m last summer.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
May 2025
Dean Huijsen has completed his medical and agreed personal terms with Real Madrid ahead of a £50m transfer from Bournemouth, with a five-year deal in place.
The fee will be paid in three instalments over two years. Huijsen will feature in Bournemouth’s final two games before joining Madrid for the Club World Cup in the US next month.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Álvaro Carreras (Benfica)
Summer 2025, before the Club World Cup
Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50m and are also finalizing a deal for Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for €60m. Huijsen has agreed to a five-year contract, while Carreras is set for six years.
Madrid triggered Huijsen’s release clause after quickly securing his commitment post-Barcelona loss. Attempts to include players were rejected by Bournemouth. Talks for Carreras accelerated due to his strong links with manager-in-waiting Xabi Alonso, who values the ex-United full-back highly.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
Summer 2025
Arsenal and Liverpool are front-runners to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, whose £50m release clause can be paid in three instalments. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich remain interested but face budget constraints.
Bayern will prioritize signing Jonathan Tah on a free transfer, possibly ruling them out of the race. A decision on Huijsen’s future is expected soon.
Dean Huijsen (AFC Bournemouth)
Decision expected May 2025
Dean Huijsen is set to decide his future this month amid strong interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool after an impressive debut season with Bournemouth and his first Spain cap.
Signed from Juventus for €15.2m, the 20-year-old centre-back has a £50m release clause and is widely tipped to join a top European side this summer.