Chelsea PULL OUT of Huijsen race, move for England star

Chelsea have pulled out of the race to sign Dean Huijsen and will now focus their attention to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

That is according to journalist Eduardo Burgos, who claims that Chelsea have admitted defeat for Huijsen.

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Chelsea were rivalling the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool for Huijsen, but Burgos says that the Blues realise the defender is a “lost cause”.

The reason for this is because it is now widely expected that Huijsen will join Real Madrid.

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Huijsen set to join Real Madrid

They are already well advanced in talks with Huijsen’s entourage, with the youngster wishing to return to Spain, where he grew up.

Huijsen has a release clause worth €60 million (£50m) that will be valid from the 2025 summer transfer window.

Madrid are revolutionising an ageing backline, and already are expected to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer.

They also plan to sign at least one centre back, having been decimated by injuries in this area in recent years.

Huijsen has been one of the breakout stars of European football in 2024/25.

The 19-year-old joined Bournemouth last summer from Juventus for just €15.2m plus €3m in add-ons.

Juventus have already come to regret this decision as he has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

As for Chelsea, they will now focus their attentions on Crystal Palace centre back Guehi.

The Blues already tried to sign the 24-year-old in January but Palace refused to sell mid-season.

They will be more open to a sale in the summer, while Guehi would approve of a return to Stamford Bridge.

Guehi grew up in Chelsea’s youth system from the age of seven and graduated all the way to the first team.

However, he only played two games in the EFL Cup before he was loaned to Swansea in 2020 and eventually sold to Crystal Palace in 2021.

At Palace he has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, making almost 150 appearances.

He has been capped 23 times by England and he impressed during Euro 2024 on the way to the final.