Newcastle United will be looking to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window after Sven Botman’s injury.
Botman is expected to miss up to nine months which means he should miss a chunk of action next season. Moreover, he would require time to get back to his old best after a long injury lay-off.
It makes sense for the Magpies to invest in new defenders during the summer window. After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the Magpies could be set for a rebuilding project but the main challenge lies in complying with FFP restrictions.
Eddie Howe could be forced to sell some of his star players next summer to boost the finances necessary to make new signings. It looks like Newcastle are ready to spend their money on young talents who have the potential to become a world-beater in the future.
According to De Telegraaf, Newcastle are showing keen interest in signing Juventus young defender Dean Huijsen who is currently on loan at Roma.
Newcastle United main candidate to sign Dean Huijsen
The Magpies are emerging as one of the “main candidates” to sign the 18-year-old defender. German giants Borussia Dortmund are also keen to sign him.
He is seen as a potential successor of Mats Hummels while Newcastle want him to replace the injured Botman. Huijsen has a contract at Juventus until 2028, but he could be heading for an exit if he is not given enough game time.
The defender joined AS Roma on loan for the rest of the season where he has hugely impressed. There are suggestions that Juventus could sell Huijsen in a part exchange deal for Teun Koopmeiners.
He would cost around £25m, and it will be interesting to see if the Magpies would be willing to pay that amount for his signature. Huijsen looks like a fantastic young talent but he lacks experience.
