Real Madrid finalized the signing of Spain international Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth on Saturday after triggering his £50 million ($59 million) release clause.
The 20-year-old centre-back stood out during his debut Premier League season, having joined the Cherries from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million.
“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 a statement from Los Blancos, according to AFP.
Bournemouth confirmed that Madrid had “activated a £50 million release clause,” and reports indicate that Juventus and Malaga, Huijsen’s former clubs, will also benefit financially from the move.
Madrid acted swiftly to secure the defender, fending off interest from multiple Premier League teams eager to sign the rising star of La Roja.
Huijsen will be available for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States, where their first match will be against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen relocated to Spain with his family at the age of five and progressed through Malaga’s youth academy.
He made his senior debut for Spain in March, playing against the Netherlands—the country of his birth—and contributed to Spain’s victory, securing a place in the Nations League final four.
Real Madrid has faced significant defensive issues this season, recording 14 losses across all competitions and ending the campaign without any major silverware.
The club is also undergoing a managerial change, with Carlo Ancelotti set to depart for the Brazil national team, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso widely expected to step in as his successor.
Huijsen may not be the only new arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, as England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to join following the conclusion of his contract with Liverpool.
What you should know
Dean Huijsen, a young Spanish international with Dutch roots, has joined Real Madrid in a major summer transfer.
Known for his composure and defensive strength, Huijsen will be part of Madrid’s rebuilding efforts under a new manager after a disappointing season.
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