Old Trafford felt colder than usual.
A 2–0 loss to Crystal Palace marked Manchester United’s fifth home defeat in just seven Premier League games under Ruben Amorim.
As if that wasn’t damning enough, Lisandro Martínez limped off. The diagnosis? Serious according to multiple sources including Fichajes.net
Now the rebuild must accelerate.
Enter Dean Huijsen—just 19, already a Spain U21 international, and quietly becoming one of the most sought-after defenders in the league.
Bournemouth know what they have. That’s why his release clause stands at £55 million according to 90min.com. For a player this young, this commanding, it almost feels like a discount.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea are circling too.
They’ve made youth recruitment an identity. Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana—the blueprint is clear. And with a possible Champions League berth looming, Stamford Bridge might offer the kind of platform Huijsen now craves.
United’s interest is real. But so are their limitations.
Defence isn’t the most urgent concern now, and Amorim—though keen—may be forced to prioritise midfield depth and attacking fluency over another centre-back.
Chelsea, meanwhile, smell blood.
Kalidou Koulibaly is gone. Thiago Silva’s swansong ended. Even Axel Disasi’s future is uncertain. There’s a gap, and Huijsen fits it.
What could tilt it all? Europe.
Chelsea’s current position suggests they may reach the Champions League. United? They’re clinging to Europa League hope.
Huijsen wants minutes, yes—but he wants meaning too.
Come summer, this won’t be about who needs him more.
It’ll be about who moves faster.