Real Madrid have completed the signing of promising centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in a £50 million move, activating his release clause. The 20-year-old Spanish international will officially join Los Blancos from June 1, 2025, and has signed a contract until June 2030.
The move marks a major step in Madrid’s summer rebuild as Xabi Alonso prepares to take over as manager from Carlo Ancelotti, who is heading to coach Brazil. Dean Huijsen, who made his name with Juventus and on loan at Roma before joining Bournemouth in 2024, had also attracted interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Newcastle.
A Young Star with Real Madrid Dreams
Madrid had been tracking Dean Huijsen since his early days at Málaga. Born in Amsterdam, Huijsen moved to Spain when he was just five years old. Although he represented the Netherlands at youth levels, he committed to Spain in 2024 and earned his first senior caps in March 2025.
The centre-back idolises Sergio Ramos, and now gets the opportunity to follow in his hero’s footsteps at the Santiago Bernabéu. He has made 30 appearances in the Premier League this season and impressed with solid defending and a few vital goals.
Xabi Alonso’s First Big Signing
With Real Madrid missing out on La Liga and being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, the club is focused on strengthening key areas, especially the defence. Injuries plagued their backline throughout the season, and Ancelotti highlighted the importance of Huijsen’s arrival.
“Dean Huijsen is a great player, young, with a lot of potential. I think the signing is very good for Real Madrid,” said Ancelotti.
Final Games with Bournemouth Before Move
Bournemouth confirmed Huijsen will finish the 2024-25 season with them before making his switch. The club said: “Everyone at AFC Bournemouth is looking forward to working with Dean for the remaining two games of the Premier League season, before he embarks on the next step of his career.”
Bournemouth face Manchester City on Tuesday, followed by their final home game against Leicester on Sunday, May 25.
