Reports from England are claiming that Xabi Alonso wants to reunite with Dean Huijsen at Chelsea ahead of the 2026/27 season. Alonso made sure that the Spanish defender was his first signing at Real Madrid and is now looking to repeat the same move as he prepares to take over at Chelsea from July 1.
The Chelsea interest is not entirely new. The Blues were among the clubs linked with the highly rated centre-back before he joined Real Madrid from AFC Bournemouth in 2025, only to lose out when Los Blancos activated his release clause and moved swiftly to complete the deal. Madrid’s stance on the player is complicated, however. As stated earlier, Huijsen was one of Alonso’s first signings during his brief spell in charge at the Bernabéu, and the defender remains highly regarded within the club. But reports suggest that the club’s restructuring with José Mourinho could alter many players’ status within the club, including his.
Even though there is little indication that Madrid are actively seeking to sell him, Chelsea are believed to be positioning themselves should circumstances change thanks to Alonso’s request.
Why Alonso rates Huijsen so highly
Modern elite centre-backs are expected to do far more than defend, and Huijsen excels in the areas that matter most. During Alonso’s coaching career, Alonso has consistently preferred defenders capable of initiating attacks rather than merely stopping them. Huijsen’s technical quality allows teams to build from the back without sacrificing defensive solidity.
At 21, the former Netherlands youth national team player is able to combine a high-IQ ball-playing ability with composure under pressure. He is also comfortable stepping into midfield, much like John Stones, and can break opposition lines with progressive passes and his ball-carrying. He is a good example of the new generation of defenders who function as playmakers from deep positions, which aligns perfectly with Alonso’s football philosophy.
How Dean Huijsen would make Chelsea better
Chelsea’s squad contains plenty of athletic defenders, but Huijsen would add a different dimension. His passing range could improve Chelsea’s ability to progress possession against the intense presses of many Premier League teams. His comfort in a back three would also suit Alonso’s preferred tactical structures, giving the manager greater flexibility between three-man and four-man defensive systems. More importantly is that Huijsen possesses the composure and tactical intelligence that Chelsea have occasionally lacked during difficult matches.
Which Chelsea players could be affected?
If Chelsea were to complete a deal, competition for places would intensify immediately. Levi Colwill would likely remain a cornerstone of the project, but players such Tosin Adarabioyo could face increased uncertainty over their long-term roles. Huijsen’s ability to operate on either side of the central defence would give Alonso options that few defenders in the squad currently provide.
For a Chelsea team searching for greater control, structure, and consistency, Huijsen could be the key to a solid defensive core. He is the type of modern defender around whom an entire defensive system can be built. That explains why Alonso continues to keep a close eye on his former player.
