Dean Huijsen joins Real Madrid for £50m, set for Club World Cup debut
Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of highly rated centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50 million, securing the Spanish international on a five-year deal running from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.
The 20-year-old will be eligible to represent the La Liga giants in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States, adding defensive depth to Madrid’s squad following their recent El Clásico defeat to Barcelona.
Madrid were quick to activate Huijsen’s release clause following internal reviews of their defensive options, according to ESPN’s Rodrigo Faez. The player reportedly accepted the offer almost immediately, despite strong interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, and other top Premier League clubs.
Sources say Madrid had hoped to negotiate a deal below the £50m clause by offering players in exchange, but Bournemouth refused, insisting on the full release amount.
Born in the Netherlands but now a Spanish international, Huijsen has had a meteoric rise over the past year. After transferring from Juventus to Bournemouth for £12.8 million, he impressed with 30 Premier League appearances, showcasing calmness on the ball, physical strength, and tactical intelligence—hallmarks of a modern central defender.
His stellar form earned him a debut for Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish national team, cementing his reputation as one of Europe's most promising young defenders.
Former clubs Juventus and Malaga will reportedly receive a percentage of the transfer fee due to sell-on clauses in previous deals.
Ancelotti: "A Very Good Signing"
Departing Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the acquisition in his final press conference before stepping down:
"He's a great player, young, he has a lot of potential, it's a very good signing by Real Madrid. Every player that Real Madrid signs excites me, because Real Madrid always want to be at the top, and they will always be at the top."
More signings incoming?
Real Madrid’s ambitions for the summer are far from over. The club is reportedly advancing talks to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool before the Club World Cup, strengthening their right-back options. A move for Benfica's Álvaro Carreras is also in the works, with the Portuguese side valuing the 22-year-old full-back at around €60 million.
What this means for Madrid and Bournemouth
Real Madrid get a ready-made, elite-level defender for the next generation, while Bournemouth secure a record transfer fee that could be reinvested into their squad. Losing Huijsen is a blow, but the Cherries’ scouting department is expected to be active ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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