AFC Bournemouth’s transfer window has been quite quiet so far. Their two most expensive signings, Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal were both announced a long time ago, as they were loan deals made permanent before the end of last season. Other than that, they have made just two new signings, Daniel Jebbison and Alex Paulsen, both for very small fees.

In recent transfer windows, Bournemouth have been one of the most exciting teams to keep track of. Last summer they signed Justin Kluivert from Roma, Tyler Adams from Leeds, Milos Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar and a few others too. Ever since their new ownership group took over at the end of 2022, they have been on a steady climb, and even have an outside chance of Europe this season.

Dean Huijsen

🍒🛫 Dean Huijsen, on his way to England for medical tests as new Bournemouth player. pic.twitter.com/80fUxrusqP

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2024

But with this ambition, they need to make some impressive signings, which is why they look set to sign Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen for around £15m. The 19-year-old centre back only broke into first team football at the end of last season, when he moved to Roma on a six month loan deal. He played 13 league games for the Giallorossi and scored twice, including an incredible goal against Frosinone.

He was promoted to the Juventus first team on the 7th November last year alongside Kenan Yildiz, who has recently represented Turkiye at the European Championships. Huijsen will have a harder time getting into his international first team of choice which appears to be Spain. The youngster has represented the Netherlands at under 16s, 17s, 18s, and 19s level, but in March of this year, he was called up to the Spanish under 21s squad.

Huijsen was born in the Netherlands but moved to Spain when he was just five years old. He became a Spanish citizen in February and it appears as if that will be the nation he chooses to represent at a senior level too.

What does this mean for Bournemouth?

Dean Huijsen medical likely to be this weekend. #afcb have done very well to close the deal - plenty of competition for his signature. Cracking signing.

— Daniel Davis (@dan_davis20) July 26, 2024

Footballing wise, he has been noticed by a number of top clubs including Real Madrid, whom he rejected to sign for the Juventus academy instead. Liverpool were also looking at him this summer along with Stuttgart, Aston Villa and of course, the Cherries. He is looking for regular first team football, but with Bournemouth's excellent defensive partnership of Illya Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi, it looks as if he is going to need to work extremely hard to get his wish.

Senesi had the most goal involvements of any centre back in the top five leagues last season, with four goals and five assists, and Zabarnyi has long been considered one of the best young players in the world, and was approached by Arsenal this summer before signing a new Bournemouth contract.

But Huijsen is not just another young centre back. Many in Italy are surprised that Juventus are letting him go for just £15m, as he is one of the most highly rated youngsters in the country. He won’t simply be resigned to the bench under Andoni Iraola, so that could mean that the Cherries boss is considering a change in formation, and put three centre backs on the pitch.

CHERRIES are said to be monitoring the situation of Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia. https://t.co/jSzdiCQZ1m 👇 Full story

— Bournemouth Echo Sport (@BmthEchoSport) July 4, 2024

Many Bournemouth fans have been asking for a full back or two this summer, as that is one position that they are light in cover, but this statement signing could indicate the switch to wingbacks. There has been tentative interest from the Cherries in Real Madrid defender Fran Garcia as well as a few other less well known names, but nothing solid so far. The south coast club still have two pre-season friendlies to go before they travel to Nottingham Forest for the opening game, so only time will tell what this signing means for Bournemouth.