Newcastle United could be on course to miss out on a major transfer target to Chelsea.
The Magpies are making plans for the summer transfer window, with Newcastle wanting a centre-back.
That is seen as a priority, as Eddie Howe eyes a player who will be Fabian Schar’s long-term successor at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United want Dean Huijsen, and the 20-year-old looks perfectly suited to taking Schar’s place. Like the Swiss defender, he is excellent on the ball and can play on the right or the left.
Chelsea favourites to sign Dean Huijsen
Despite being ideal for the Magpies, it does not look like Tyneside will be Huijsen’s destination.
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea are now the favourites to sign Huijsen from Bournemouth.
They report that the Blues are prepared to activate his £50million release clause, while Chelsea will offer Huijsen a huge contract in order to tempt him towards Stamford Bridge.
That could result in a double blow for Eddie Howe. Newcastle also want Huijsen’s teammate Illia Zabarnyi, but Bournemouth are unlikely to sell both centre-backs this summer.
Newcastle United and Chelsea linked with Marc Guehi
While Enzo Maresca’s pursuit of Huijsen could result in Newcastle missing out on two centre-back targets, it could also leave the door wide open for the Magpies to land an alternative.
After missing out in the summer of 2024, Marc Guehi is a target for Newcastle again.
It was reported in February that Chelsea are determined to sign Guehi, but that determination will surely wane if Huijsen arrives in West London.
That could present the Magpies with a chance to sign the defender they relentlessly pursued last year.
What Newcastle United were told about Marc Guehi last summer
Newcastle made multiple bids to sign Guehi from Crystal Palace in 2024. Ultimately, each offer fell short.
During Newcastle’s pursuit of the England international, Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish made it clear what was required to get Guehi out of Selhurst Park.
“Nobody has got to the valuation yet,” Parish told Sky Sports in August 2024.
“If you want a superstar player you need to pay superstar money.”
In the end, no one did pay that ‘superstar money’ required to get Guehi. Geordie Boot Boys were told that Palace wanted £75million for Guehi, which was too much for Newcastle United.
Fast forward to 2025 and Crystal Palace are no longer in a position to command that kind of fee.
The 24-year-old’s Palace contract is due to expire in 2026, and there have been no suggestions that he will extend his stay with the Eagles. Therefore, Palace will need to cash in this summer or risk losing him for an even smaller fee in January 2026 or on a free in the summer.
That could present Newcastle United with a fresh opportunity to get Guehi, while Chelsea’s pursuit of Huijsen may mean there is less competition.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
