Real Madrid plot to offload key player to fund move for in-demand Premier League star next summer: Reports

Modified Apr 12, 2025 13:25 GMT

Arsenal FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg - Source: Getty

Real Madrid are looking to offload David Alaba to fund a move for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen in the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the top European prospects with his stellar performances in the Premier League.

Huijsen's defensive ability and ball control have gained the attention of LaLiga giants Real Madrid. Los Blancos are keen on signing him as a long-term investment, and are even considering selling Alaba to facilitate the 19-year-old's transfer.

At a wage of €20 million annually, Alaba is one of the highest-paid players at Santiago Bernabeu. However, his time in the Spanish capital has been affected by fitness issues and injury woes lately. Alaba has played 12 games for Madrid this season, accumulating less than 500 minutes on the ground.

The Austrian defender will turn 33 in June, while Antonio Rudiger is already 32. As a result, Los Blancos' are actively looking for defensive reinforcements, and they see Dean Huijsen as a suitable candidate. The Spaniard has made 25 appearances in the Premier League, scoring two goals, providing one assist and helping Bournemouth keep five clean sheets.

However, Carlo Ancelotti's side would have to compete against Liverpool, Arsenal and other top European sides to secure the 19-year-old's services.

Toni Kroos addresses Real Madrid's intent during UCL loss to Arsenal

Icon League - Matchday 1 - Source: Getty

Former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has reflected on Real Madrid's loss to Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal earlier this week. Declan Rice scored two free kicks, while Mikel Merino sealed the victory for the Gunners with a third goal.

The former Los Blancos midfielder stated that the La Liga giants lacked the goal-scoring intent. Instead, they were trying to avoid another goal. Toni Kroos said:

"After 2-0, it looked like all was lost. From my experience, when Real Madrid are losing in a game, there is always a phase in which you have the feeling that a goal can be scored."

He added:

"After each goal I missed, that reaction. Scoring a goal was important, but they seemed to be saying, 'please don't let the fourth one come'.The team has to give its best. And the Bernabeu crowd will be there. We have to press non-stop from the first quarter of an hour."

Real Madrid will host Mikel Arteta's side at Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the UCL quarterfinal on Wednesday, April 16.

About the author

Shashank is a journalist at Sportskeeda covering European football since the past 2 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has also played the sport as a box-to-box midfielder and a full-back at national level, along with Tennis, Taekwondo and Boxing.

Shashank has been a Liverpool supporter since 2014 and had first stumbled upon the club after receiving a gift which had the words 'Liverpool FC' written on it. He has idolised Steven Gerrard over the years but his favorite football memory is the Reds' incredible comeback 4-0 win over Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semis. He, unsurprisingly, also loves Jurgen Klopp's managerial style.

He strives to report 100% accurate content by going through several social media platforms, and prides himself on his above-average vocabulary and researching skills. In his career so far, Shashank has had the privilege of interviewing Indian national football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Shashank also follows the Indian Super League and the Eredivisie along with European Football. In his off time, he likes to do theatre, watch Tennis, and travel.

Know More

Edited by Sankalp Srivastava