Bournemouth transfer news: Cherries ‘identify’ Swiss defender as Dean Huijsen replacement

Bournemouth have reportedly identified Lugano defender Albian Hajdari as a potential replacement for Dean Huijsen.

The Cherries are bracing themselves for Huijsen’s exit, just one year after signing the centre-back from Italian giants Juventus.

Huijsen has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects, having impressed in his 28 top-flight appearances for Andoni Iraola‘s side.

The Spain international is under contract until the summer of 2030, but there is said to be a £50m release clause in his deal, alerting a number of top Premier League clubs.

Chelsea are said to be leading the race for his signature, while there is also interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Bournemouth identify Hajdari as Huijsen replacement

Real Madrid have also been linked with a potential move, although it seems likely that Huijsen will join another Premier League club if he leaves Bournemouth this summer.

With Huijsen expected to depart, the Cherries are already scouring the market for potential candidates to replace the 20-year-old.

According to TEAMtalk, Bournemouth are weighing up a move for Hajdari after identifying the Lugano defender as a possible transfer target.

The Cherries may sense that there is an opportunity for a bargain, with the 21-year-old said to have a €5m (£4.3m) release clause in his Lugano contract.

Hajdari joined the Swiss side on an initial loan deal from Juventus in 2022, before he converted the move into a permanent transfer in the following year.

The defender has gone on to feature in 104 competitive games for Lugano, including 35 appearances during the current campaign.

Bournemouth facing intense competition in Hajdari race

Bournemouth will not have it their own way if they step up their pursuit, with Hajdari attracting significant interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

Serie A side Torino have already held concrete talks over a potential transfer, seemingly putting them in pole position to secure his signature.

Lazio and Bologna are also among Hajadri’s potential suitors, while there is also interest from German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, Marseille have reportedly made enquiries about the possibility of signing the Switzerland international this summer.

Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid, Man Utd want Mastantuono

Real Madrid will go up against Manchester United for River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, while Arsenal have joined the race for AFC Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen,. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

– Real Madrid and Manchester United are among the 17 European clubs that have expressed an interest in signing River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantouno, Diario Olé reports. Among those 17 clubs, there are six Premier League sides, including recently crowned champions Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. Mastantuono, who will turn 18 in August, became the youngest River Plate player to score against Boca Juniors in Sunday’s Superclásico. River won 2-1 at the Monumental with attacking midfielder scoring the opener with a stunning long-range free kick. According to Olé, Mastantuono, whose contract with River expires in December 2027 and has a release clause set at €45 million, has no preference for his next club.

– Arsenal are ready to challenge for the signature of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, reports the Independent. The Gunners are believed to be the latest side prepared to activate the £50 million release clause to sign the 20-year-old in a race against both Chelsea and Liverpool. Newcastle United are reported to have “cooled” their interest in him after holding talks with his representatives, with the belief that he is prioritizing a switch elsewhere. Sources told ESPN in March that Real Madrid are considering a move for the Spain international, a prospect the player himself as refused to rule out.

Multiple Premier League clubs remain interested in Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi, reports Mundo Deportivo. The 24-year-old England international is set to enter the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park in the summer, and it is reported that Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping close tabs on his situation amid hopes of signing him in the next transfer window. The Eagles are believed to have previously been looking for an offer worth €60m to agree to any potential deal, but they could now be required to lower their valuation to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

– Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are interested in Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Ko Itakura, reports Bild’s Christian Falk. Ikatura, 28, has been a key player in the Bundesliga, where he has made 29 appearances this season, and it is said that the league leaders see him as a potential option who could replace Bayern’s Kim Min-Jae, while BVB want to reinforce their defensive line after Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a torn meniscus last month.

– Newcastle United see Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo as the ideal summer recruit to strengthen their attack, the Daily Telegraph reports. However, the Cameroon international’s potential transfer fee of £60m could prove prohibitive. Liverpool are among the other clubs who have been linked with the 25-year-old, who has scored 18 Premier League goals this season.