Real Madrid have completed the signing of Spanish international Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth, activating the defender’s £50 million ($59 million) release clause to secure his services on a five-year deal.
The 20-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest defensive talents during his breakout season with the Cherries. Bournemouth had acquired Huijsen from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million, and after just one campaign in England, his value has skyrocketed, drawing interest from top clubs across Europe.
“Real Madrid and Bournemouth have reached a deal for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who will be at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2030,” read an official statement from the Spanish giants.
Bournemouth confirmed that Madrid had triggered the £50 million release clause stipulated in Huijsen’s contract. The transfer represents a significant profit for the Premier League side and is expected to benefit his previous clubs as well. Both Juventus and Spanish outfit Málaga, where Huijsen spent part of his youth career, are set to receive a percentage of the fee due to sell-on clauses included in earlier deals.
Madrid acted swiftly to finalize the transfer amid growing competition from several Premier League clubs. Huijsen’s rapid development, composure on the ball, and aerial dominance made him a top target for clubs seeking long-term defensive reinforcements. His arrival is seen as a key component of Real Madrid’s summer rebuild, following a turbulent season that saw the team finish without a major trophy and exit early from key competitions.
Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen moved to Spain at the age of five and came through Málaga’s youth academy before moving to Italy to join Juventus. Though he made only a handful of appearances for the Serie A side, his loan and subsequent permanent move to Bournemouth gave him the platform to showcase his abilities in one of the world’s most demanding leagues.
Huijsen recently made his senior debut for Spain in March, playing against his birth nation, the Netherlands. He impressed in that match, helping La Roja secure a crucial win to advance to the UEFA Nations League final four, further raising his profile on the international stage.
Real Madrid Bolster Defense with £50 Million Signing of Dean Huijsen
The defender is expected to join up with Real Madrid for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer. Los Blancos will begin their campaign against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami. Huijsen is likely to feature prominently in the squad, especially given Madrid’s recent defensive struggles and ongoing injury concerns.
This past season, Madrid’s defensive line has been plagued by injuries, with key players such as David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal all spending significant time on the sidelines. As a result, the team suffered 14 defeats across all competitions — an uncharacteristically high number for the 14-time Champions League winners.
“It wasn’t something we could have predicted last summer,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, addressing the team’s injury woes. “At the start of the season, we had David Alaba, Militao, and Carvajal all fit, but injuries have really impacted our rhythm and stability.”
Ancelotti, who will leave Madrid at the end of the season to take over as head coach of the Brazil national team, endorsed the signing of Huijsen.
“He’s a great player — young, very talented, and with a lot of potential,” said Ancelotti at a press conference ahead of Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Sevilla. “It’s a very smart move by the club. Every signing Real Madrid makes excites me. This club always strives to be the best, and they always will be.”
Madrid’s defensive reshuffle is expected to continue this summer. England full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to join Los Blancos upon the expiration of his contract with Liverpool, marking another significant addition to the back line. The arrival of Huijsen and potentially Alexander-Arnold signals a new era for the Madrid defense, one that will likely be overseen by Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who is widely tipped to replace Ancelotti in the dugout.
Huijsen’s arrival marks one of the earliest moves in what is shaping up to be a transformative summer for the Spanish capital club. With a new manager, fresh talent, and a renewed sense of ambition, Real Madrid appear ready to bounce back stronger than ever.
Source- EWN