‘Easy decision’ - Agent reveals why £50m star rejected Newcastle United offer
Newcastle United failed to sign former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen in the summer.
Dean Huijsen’s agent has revealed the decision his made as soon as Real Madrid entered the race.
Los Blancos triggered a £50million release clause to sign the centre-back from Bournemouth. Huijsen only joined the Cherries 12 months earlier following a brief loan spell at Roma.
Newcastle United kept tabs on the 20-year-old before his Bournemouth move. It is understood the Magpies renewed their interest ahead of the summer transfer window but, this time, bigger fish were also in the race.
Dean Huijsen transfer saga
Bournemouth found themselves in a helpless position as every Premier League big-hitter chased his signature. A modest release clause gave Huijsen the pick of England’s elite - but Real Madrid muscled in on the competition.
Newcastle are thought to have met with Huijsen’s representatives earlier in the window but, as a Spain international, there was only going to be one winner. The defender was sent off against Real Sociedad last week after starting Madrid’s opening five games of the season.
Dean Huijsen agent speaks out
Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, his agent, Ali Barat, opened up about the hectic transfer saga while name-checking Newcastle. He said: "We always thought Real Madrid would come: Dean is a fantastic player, and after the two games with the national team, Juni (Calafat) contacted us, and everything moved very quickly, honestly.
"Absolutely. When they came along, it was an easy decision: there were many clubs, but with Real Madrid, there was no doubt. Chelsea wanted him, even since January. They were the first big club really interested, but Bournemouth didn’t want to sell in January. His release clause wasn’t active then, only in the summer.
"And of course, after playing for the national team, we had about seven big clubs: Bayern, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle… They all wanted Dean, to be honest."
Newcastle United sign Malick Thiaw
Newcastle changed tack to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan. Speaking of his arrival, Eddie Howe said: “"We're really pleased to have Malick on board. He's a player I've admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options.
"Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season."