Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was deeply disappointed that Dean Huijsen became a Real Madrid player and did not make the trip to the Etihad.
The young defender is already being compared to a Los Blancos legend despite being only 20 years old.
Dean Huijsen established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League last season and was a key player for Bournemouth. The Spanish international started 26 games and came on as a substitute six times in the league, with three goals and two assists.
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Real Madrid were on the hunt for a new centre-back in the summer transfer window and secured Dean Huijsen for £50 million.
TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher writes that Real Madrid managed to get a deal for Huijsen in just six hours, despite interest from Premier League champions Liverpool and Conference League winners Chelsea.
Guardiola furious over missed opportunity
Defensa Central has now revealed that Manchester City manager Guardiola also wanted to sign Huijsen and is impressed with how he performs for Madrid in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The former Barcelona boss is said to be very angry that City were unable to sign the £50 million Spanish international stopper.
Defensa Central writes in the headline: “Guardiola is amazed by Huijsen’s performance at Real Madrid and scolds City”.
The report claims that Guardiola has stated
: “They have deceived us with this signing. He will have a long career in Madrid and stay there for many years. We should have tried to sign him, because he’s a top player.”
While adding that Guardiola “regrets not being able to get Huijsen”, Defensa Central points out that City’s attempts to sign him were in vain – the player was “absolutely clear” that he only wanted to go to Madrid.
Huijsen impresses in Madrid
Huijsen has been one of the big stars for Madrid in the Club World Cup, where Xabi Alonso’s team has reached the quarter-finals.
The young Spaniard has shown maturity well beyond his age and has adapted seamlessly at what can be called the world’s biggest club.
Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde is so impressed that he has compared Huijsen to club legend Toni Kroos:
“Dean Huijsen carries the ball exceptionally well and made a pass that was reminiscent of Toni Kroos,” Valverde said on June 29.
Former Madrid coach Fabio Capello has also praised Huijsen and criticized Juventus for letting him go
: “I’m surprised that Juventus didn’t see the clear potential of the boy. Huijsen didn’t get good overnight. If he plays for Real Madrid as a 20-year-old, he is certainly good enough for Juventus,” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Huijsen: “Madrid is the club of life”
Huijsen himself expressed great joy at the opportunity to play for Los Blancos during his presentation in June
: “I would like to thank the president and the club for the trust. I’ve wanted to be here since day one – when they called me, I wasn’t considering any other clubs. I’m now at the best club in the world and I’m going to give it my all.”
“I’m going to work as hard as I can and stay humble. Hopefully we can win many titles together, with the Club World Cup as the first goal. Madrid is the club of life for me and I hope to stay here for many years. Hala Madrid!”
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A Spanish report claims that a Tottenham Hotspur star is ready for a move to Madrid in the summer transfer window and wants Los Blancos to send an official offer.
Madrid striker Rodrygo has made a decision about his future and will give the club his final message after the Club World Cup is over. Arsenal have also shown interest in the Brazilian.
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