Chelsea They essentially dismantled their talented, young defensive ranks and put them back together with some big-money names who fell short for one reason or another.
Fikayo Tomori won the Serie A title with Milan, Andreas Christensen left on a free transfer to sign for Barcelona and Mark Guehi Thriving with Crystal Palace in Premier League.
This last man is of particular interest, because Chelsea are on the hunt for centre-backs again and have turned their attention to the Cobham graduate.
Chelsea is seeking to sign a centre-back
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea are in the market for new defenders and could launch a huge bid for the aforementioned Palace player Guehi, with Trevo Chalupa also on loan on a recall clause.
but, Reported by insider Simon Phillips It suggests that Chelsea's options are not so limited and that Bournemouth prodigy Dean Huyson could be the man for the job, after being added to the shortlist this winter.
Huijsen is only 19 years old, but has successfully completed his first half-season in the Premier League, and could be the ideal profile to bring to Stamford Bridge, especially when you consider that. Wesley FofanaEndless injury struggles.
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Why Dean Huijsen could be an upgrade over Fofana
In July, Bournemouth signed Howesen from Juventus In a deal that rose to more than 15 million pounds sterlingwith the young centre-back looking at the Vitality Stadium as the ideal area for him to grow into one of Europe's most exciting young talents.
He was massive, scoring twice in the Premier League and starting for the Cherries. The last seven matcheswhich indicates maturity and age control. He could be the man to replace Fofana.
Chelsea and Fofana have suffered an unhappy marriage since he left Leicester in 2022 and moved to west London. In a deal worth 75 million pounds sterling. The Frenchman is still only 24 years old He started just 26 Premier League matches For Chelsea due to non-stop injury problems.
It's time for action, and Huijsen should be the signing, as he is a long-term project while also thriving as a key member of Andoni Iraola's backline. He has what it takes to leapfrog the likes of Fofana under Marisca's wing.
|
Premier League 24/25 – Guehi vs Fofana and Heusen |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Match statistics* |
|||
|
Matches (start) |
19 (19) |
12 (12) |
14 (9) |
|
Objectives |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Helps |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clean sheets |
4 |
1 |
4 |
|
touches* |
66.1 |
70.9 |
52.1 |
|
Complete the pass |
84% |
90% |
85% |
|
Key passes* |
0.4 |
0.4 |
0.7 |
|
recover the ball* |
4.3 |
4.1 |
3.0 |
|
Interventions + Interceptions * |
2.2 |
2.1 |
2.4 |
|
Approvals* |
4.7 |
3.9 |
4.3 |
|
Total duels (won)* |
5.4 (64%) |
4.8 (57%) |
3.4 (57%) |
|
Statistics via Sofascore (* = per game) |
|||
Huijsen isn't as developed as Fofana – or Guehi – yet, but at 19-years-old, he has certainly been taken to the Premier League seamlessly, even being hailed for his “ridiculous” technical quality by Analyst Ben Mattinson.
More evidence: According to FBrefThe Spanish youth international ranks in the top 4% of Premier League defenders this season in terms of goals scored, top 1% for shot creation, top 7% for progressive carries, and top 12% for aerial duels won per 90.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is carried towards the opponent's goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or carried into the penalty area.
They say the best ability is availability, and with Fofana largely missing from football over the past few seasons, it would certainly be worth targeting a star in the making like Huijsen, whose athleticism and technical flair could be ideal for Enzo MarescaExpansive system.
There's something special about this kid, and Chelsea needs to make sure they snatch him up quickly, because if they don't, another top-tier suitor is sure to.
