Liverpool 'transfer target' forced to deny he smokes weed - 'I'm not high'

Dean Huijsen has been accused of smoking weed

Dean Huijsen had to awkwardly dismiss speculation that he indulges in cannabis use during an interview.

Huijsen is enjoying a breakthrough season at Bournemouth and has been linked with a summer transfer to Liverpool.

While on the international break, he joined influencer Papa Pincus for a podcast where he addressed his natural laid-back style on the pitch which sparked the query

Pincus asked:

"It really seems to me like you are pretty medicated on weed. Do you smoke weed?"

Huijsen couldn't help but laugh before setting the record straight. He said:

"Basically, for everyone watching, I have sleepy eyes. I have it from my mum because my mum has sleepy eyes. “I'm not high. I'm sorry, I'm not high.

“We're not allowed to take weed, it's doping control. I'm not high. It's how I was born. I can't do anything about it."

The conversation also veered into a particular incident where Huijsen was seen with red eyes while holding a Premier League man-of-the-match award.

Defending the image, the 19-year-old clarified:

Huijsen

"I got a ball in my eye. Someone shot and it went right in my eye. So I was even worse."

Despite some backlash from fans over the nature of Pincus' questions, the host maintained that Huijsen wasn't perturbed by the interview

Taking to X, he said: "Just an FYI for those allergic to light-hearted banter.

"We ran through all the questions beforehand, he loved this one.

“Sorry we didn't ask him who has the AUX in the changing room or who's the worst dressed teammate. He clearly saw the funny side, maybe you should too!"

Huijsen made the switch to Bournemouth from Juventus last summer and has since clocked up 27 appearances in his debut season,

His impressive performances have reportedly caught the eye of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Liverpool.

the young star is not letting transfer speculation distract him. While on international duty, Huijsen stated:

"I'm not thinking about that right now. I'm thinking about ending the season well, and I hope I do. Then when the time comes, we'll see. It makes you proud that such a big team is interested in you. I'll keep working, and being humble."