AFC Bournemouth have signed centre-back Dean Huijsen from Juventus.
The 19-year-old, who stands at 6ft 5in tall, joins on a six-year deal.
Look who's landed at Vitality Stadium 👀 pic.twitter.com/hdOWxzV2un
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 31, 2024
Neill Blake, Bournemouth chief executive, said: "Dean is someone that has such exciting potential and we are all excited to see where his journey with the club will go.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming him to Vitality Stadium and working together to help develop further all the qualities that he already possesses.”
Who is Dean Huijsen?
Born on 14 April 2005 in Amsterdam, Huijsen is a highly regarded centre-back, combining a strong physical presence with confidence on the ball, proficient with both feet.
Huijsen made his Serie A debut in October 2023, coming off the bench in a win at AC Milan. This was his only senior appearance for the club before being loaned to Roma, where he featured in 13 top-flight matches.
Despite making only three appearances at Roma before Jose Mourinho's departure, the renowned manager spoke highly of Huijsen, saying: "He is an 18-year-old boy who has played 10 minutes in Serie A, but he is one of the highest-quality prospects in European football at this age level. He will be a great footballer in the future.”
Impressively, Huijsen scored twice in just four starts for Roma, including a great solo goal where he dribbled from the halfway line and scored from outside the box.
Dean Huijsen really just dribbled the ball from the halfway line and then celebrated like CR7 🤯🤯🤯#FrosinoneRoma pic.twitter.com/NeQwpwjaQY
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 19, 2024
A Spain Under-21 international, Huijsen previously represented the Netherlands at youth level.
Bournemouth's 2024/25 transfer activity
Huijsen becomes the sixth summer signing for Bournemouth, including the permanent transfers of Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal, who both impressed during their loan spells at the club last season. The Cherries have also acquired Alex Paulsen, Daniel Jebbison and Koby Mottoh.
When might he first play for Bournemouth?
Bournemouth's next pre-season fixture is against Rayo Vallecano at the Vitality Stadium on 4 August.
They begin their 2024/25 Premier League campaign at Nottingham Forest on Saturday 17 August.
