Real Madrid Confidencial Neither Ancelotti nor Zidane, Mourinho gave Real Madrid the name of the next signing.
The Portuguese coach was the first to put Huijsen's name in the European showcase after his debut with Roma
Dean Huijsen's signing by Real Madrid is now confirmed. The young Dutch center-back joins the white club until 2030. Behind his arrival, there is an unexpected name: José Mourinho.
Neither Ancelotti nor Zidane pointed out his talent. It was Mourinho who got ahead of everyone. The Portuguese coach saw an extraordinary future in Huijsen from his debut in Roma.
Mourinho saw it before anyone else
“He has only played ten minutes in Serie A, but he has shown that he is one of the most talented footballer projects in European soccer. He will be a great player in the future”, stated Mourinho in a press conference.
He was clear, direct, and forceful. Mourinho was impressed with his daily work and attitude. From the first moment, he knew he was facing a special defender.
They only coincided for a few months in Roma. But it was enough for the Portuguese to publicly praise him and put him on the radar of the greats.
A center-back with present and future
Dean Huijsen played 14 matches with Roma. He accumulated 602 minutes, scored two goals, and provided an assist. All this in just half a year.
Mourinho didn't hesitate to give him prominence. Although he wasn't Roma's property, he considered him a key solution for his team.
“We will help him grow football-wise. In our economic situation, he has been the ideal solution”, stated the Portuguese, grateful for his immediate performance.
Those matches were enough for his name to start being mentioned among the greats. Real Madrid didn't want to wait any longer.
From Mourinho's advice to Bernabéu
Now Huijsen is a new player for Real Madrid. He arrives from Bournemouth for 58.5 million euros and signs until June 2030.
The medical check-up was already completed in London. The center-back will join the team in time to play in the Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso, future white coach, gave the green light. But the first to believe in him was Mourinho.
Destiny has ended up proving the Portuguese right. Huijsen has a present, but above all, a lot of future. Mourinho saw it before anyone else.
Now Santiago Bernabéu will enjoy him.
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