Very Hot Operation, Real Madrid Calls Kepa: Signing That Could Change Everything

One of the certainties in the Madridist key that seems to be taking shape as the days go by is the signing of a center-back during the summer 2025 transfer window. The injuries suffered this season by all the center-backs in the squad, as well as the departure of Nacho Fernández more than half a year ago, have forced Carlo Ancelotti into unforeseen adjustments.

With the aim of avoiding this 'even more difficult' scenario in future soccer campaigns, the Valdebebas offices have decided to search for the ideal center-back to incorporate into Santiago Bernabéu locker room. It is not an easy process, which brings up prominent names like Castello Lukeba or William Saliba. While it is true that the profile of both French defenders offers everything the white team needs, there is a significant obstacle.

The transfer figures for both players do not convince the board led by Florentino Pérez. With a minimum asking price of 90 million euros, the Merengue leaders have opted to look for more affordable options with identical capabilities. They have found the ideal player in the Premier League, and the reports Juni Calafat handles about the footballer are increasingly promising.

To confirm the positive trend in which this center-back finds himself, Real Madrid has contacted one of its most recent former players: Kepa. The Spanish goalkeeper played for the white squad last season, on loan from Chelsea, due to Thibaut Courtois's serious injury. The former Athletic Club de Bilbao goalkeeper saw his dream of defending Real Madrid's crest fulfilled and left a very good impression in the Valdebebas offices.

First-Hand

The relationship between Kepa Arrizabalaga and the Madridist board is excellent. Appealing to this understanding, Real Madrid has turned to its former goalkeeper to inquire about the center-back they have had in their sights for several weeks: Dean Huijsen. The objective of this inquiry is very clear: to know what the Spanish center-back, of Dutch origin, is like in the 'intimacy' of a locker room.

Kepa can perfectly answer that question because he has been with Huijsen since the start of the current soccer season. The end of his loan at Real Madrid meant his return to Stamford Bridge, where he has no place in Enzo Maresca's plans. Thus, he took on a new loan to AFC Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola, the same team where Dean Huijsen plays.

The union of both footballers in the cherry sports discipline provides an unexpected insight into Dean Huijsen thanks to Kepa Arrizabalaga. This move by Real Madrid is a clear statement of intent regarding the future of the Amsterdam-born defender, who is at the top of the Merengue's list of potential signings.

The urgent need to sign a center-back in the summer of 2025 makes the white leaders turn to all available sources to make an informed decision. After almost a year of requesting the arrival of a reinforcement for the center of defense, Carlo Ancelotti could finally see this demand satisfied in the young Dean Huijsen.