The transfer speculation is hotting up around Chelsea’s potential interest in Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, and fresh claims now suggest that they could go after two centre-backs this summer.
The Blues squad definitely needs some upgrades before the 2025/26 campaign begins.
It’s been claimed that Chelsea want to sign a new central defender as part of their plans for the summer transfer window.
Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, 20, is strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after a fantastic debut season so far in the Premier League.
| Appearances (Starts) | Goals | Passing accuracy | Tackles won % | Duels won % | Aerial duels won % | Average match rating |
| 27 (22) | 2 | 84.8% | 69.7% | 56.5% | 59.8% | 7.23 |
Reports this week claim that Chelsea are favourites to sign Dean Huijsen this summer as they’re prepared to offer a seven-year deal. Interestingly, the young Spain international has a £50m release clause in his current Bournemouth deal amid interest from several top clubs.
Chelsea discussing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah as summer target
Journalist Simon Phillips has reported via Substack that there is a chance Chelsea end up signing two centre-halves in the upcoming summer transfer window.
He explains that the Blues held positive talks with Huijsen’s representatives as they prioritise the signing of the Bournemouth talent.
Phillips adds that Chelsea do also have an interest in signing Jonathan Tah, 29, from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. Apparently, Enzo Maresca’s side have discussed the powerful centre-back as a possible summer target as well after looking at him in the previous two windows.
However, it is believed that Bayern Munich are chasing Tah, so any move could be over before it’s even really started.
Jonathan Tah confirmed he’s leaving Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer at the end of the season once his current deal expires. He’ll leave a great legacy behind after 10 years at the German club.
| Appearances | Goals | Yellow cards | Red cards | Trophies |
| 398 | 17 | 48 | 2 | 3 |
Jonathan Tah picked himself over Virgil van Dijk
Back in December 2024, Tah suggested he’s better than Liverpool’s superstar Virgil van Dijk, who’s considered by many as the world’s best centre-back right now.
During an interview with GOAL, Tah chose himself over Van Dijk in a segment where he was picking the better player between two footballers.
While we rate Tah for the qualities he shows with both Leverkusen and the German national team, he’s not on the same kind of level as 33-year-old Dutchman Van Dijk.
On paper, Chelsea could serious upgrade the heart of their defence with both Huijsen and Tah arriving in the same transfer window. Let’s wait and see if the Blues can make either deal happen.
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