Real Madrid are on the verge of securing the signature of Bournemouth’s highly rated centre-back Dean Huijsen after agreeing to trigger the 20-year-old’s £50m release clause. The Spain international, who has also attracted interest from several Premier League giants, is close to finalizing personal terms with the La Liga champions, marking a significant return to Spain where he spent his formative years.
The deal, which is expected to be finalized soon, will see Madrid pay the £50m fee in three instalments. Huijsen’s former clubs, Juventus and Malaga, will receive 10% and 5% of the transfer fee, respectively, as part of the agreement. The Netherlands-born defender, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12.6m last summer, has made 34 appearances for the Cherries this season, scoring three goals and earning widespread praise for his composure and versatility.
Huijsen’s move to the Bernabeu comes as part of Real Madrid’s strategy to bolster their squad ahead of the inaugural Club World Cup in the United States next month. The transfer has been championed by Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who is set to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid’s manager. Alonso prioritized the acquisition of a young, dynamic centre-back, and Huijsen’s blend of physicality, technical ability, and tactical intelligence made him the ideal candidate.
Despite receiving as many as seven offers, including interest from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle, Huijsen opted for a return to Spain. Having grown up in Marbella and risen through the youth ranks at Costa Unida CF and Malaga, the move to Real Madrid represents a homecoming for the young defender.
Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente, who handed Huijsen his international debut in a victory over the Netherlands in March 2025, has backed the defender to thrive at the Bernabeu. “I see him as capable of playing for any team,” De la Fuente told BBC Sport. “Huijsen is having a great season in the Premier League and is ready. I’m sure he’ll keep improving with time.”
Huijsen’s decision to represent Spain, despite being born in the Netherlands, followed an international tug-of-war between the two nations. His performances for the 2024 European Championship winners have only heightened expectations for his potential at club level.
The signing of Huijsen marks Real Madrid’s second major acquisition from the Premier League this summer, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold also poised to join the Spanish giants. As Madrid continue to build a squad for the future under Alonso’s impending leadership, Huijsen’s arrival signals their intent to dominate both domestically and on the global stage.