Real Madrid Secure Blockbuster Signing of Dean Huijsen in £50m Deal

Madrid, May 16, 2025 – Real Madrid have pulled off a major coup in the transfer market, finalizing a deal to sign Bournemouth’s highly-rated centre-back Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old Spanish international is undergoing his medical today and is set to sign a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2030. The transfer, confirmed with the iconic “Here We Go!” by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, sees Real Madrid pay Bournemouth £50m (€59.3m) to secure the services of one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents.

The Deal Details

Real Madrid triggered Huijsen’s release clause, with the £50m fee structured to be paid in three instalments over an 18-month period. The agreement marks a significant investment in the club’s defensive future, especially as they navigate an injury-plagued season with key defenders Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger sidelined at various points. The deal also includes financial benefits for Huijsen’s former clubs: Juventus, where he developed in their academy, will receive 10% of the capital gain, while Malaga, another of his youth clubs, will earn approximately €1.8m through the FIFA solidarity mechanism.

Huijsen’s move to Real Madrid is expected to be officially announced in the coming days, with the club working to register him in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in June. The signing is a statement of intent from Los Blancos, who have beaten out fierce competition from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle to land the young star.

Why Huijsen?

Dean Huijsen has emerged as one of the brightest defensive prospects in European football, combining physical dominance, technical finesse, and tactical intelligence. Standing at 6’5”, the centre-back is a commanding presence in the air, winning 75% of his aerial duels in the Premier League this season. His ball-playing ability, honed during loan spells at Roma and Bournemouth, makes him an ideal fit for the modern game, with a pass completion rate of 87% and an average of 1.2 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

Huijsen’s versatility is another key asset. Capable of playing as a centre-back in a back four or three, he has also shown composure in high-pressure situations, contributing three goals and two assists in 34 appearances for Bournemouth this season. His performances earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team, where he has already made two senior appearances.

Real Madrid’s incoming manager, Xabi Alonso, played a pivotal role in pushing for Huijsen’s signature. Alonso, set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, views the young defender as a cornerstone of his long-term project at the club. With Alaba and Militao both in their 30s by next season and Rudiger not getting any younger, Huijsen represents a seamless transition into the next generation of Real Madrid’s defensive line.

The Road to Madrid

Huijsen’s journey to the Bernabeu has been one of rapid ascent. Born in Amsterdam to Dutch parents, he moved to Spain at a young age and progressed through Malaga’s youth ranks before joining Juventus’ academy in 2018. At Juventus, he was hailed as a generational talent, making his senior debut in 2022 at the age of 17. Loan spells at Roma in 2023/24 and Bournemouth in 2024/25 showcased his ability to adapt to different leagues and systems, with his performances in the Premier League catching the eye of Europe’s elite clubs.

Despite interest from England’s top clubs, Huijsen’s heart was set on Real Madrid. Sources close to the player indicate that the chance to play under Alonso and compete for trophies at one of the world’s biggest clubs was a decisive factor in his choice. His familiarity with Spanish football, coupled with his fluency in the language, will ease his integration into the squad.

What This Means for Real Madrid

The signing of Huijsen addresses an immediate need for defensive depth while securing a player with the potential to dominate European football for the next decade. Real Madrid’s current campaign has been hampered by injuries, with their backline stretched thin during crucial matches in La Liga and the Champions League. Huijsen’s arrival provides much-needed cover and competition, allowing Alonso to rotate his squad effectively during a packed 2025/26 season that includes the expanded Club World Cup.

Beyond his on-pitch contributions, Huijsen’s marketability adds another dimension to the deal. At 20, he is already a recognizable figure in the football world, with a growing social media presence and endorsements from major brands. His signing aligns with Real Madrid’s strategy of blending youth with experience, as seen in their acquisitions of players like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Eduardo Camavinga in recent years.

Fan and Expert Reactions

The announcement has sent waves of excitement through the Real Madrid fanbase, with supporters taking to social media to celebrate the club’s latest coup. “Huijsen is a BEAST! Perfect signing for the future. Xabi’s building something special,” wrote one fan on X. Another posted, “£50m for a 20-year-old who’s already a starter in the Premier League? That’s a steal!”

Pundits have also weighed in, with former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa praising Huijsen’s “elite mentality and technical quality.” Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague noted, “This is a signing that ticks every box for Real Madrid. Huijsen has the physicality for now and the potential to be world-class in the future.”

Looking Ahead

As Huijsen prepares to don the iconic white jersey, all eyes will be on how quickly he can adapt to the demands of playing for Real Madrid. His immediate challenge will be to earn a starting spot in a competitive squad, with Rudiger and Militao likely to remain first-choice centre-backs under Alonso. However, his versatility and youth make him a valuable asset for both the present and the future.

For Bournemouth, the sale of Huijsen represents a significant profit on a player they signed permanently from Juventus for €15.2m last summer. The Cherries will now look to reinvest the funds to bolster their squad as they aim for a top-half finish in the Premier League.

For Real Madrid, the signing of Dean Huijsen is a bold step toward building a dynasty under Xabi Alonso. With his medical underway and a five-year deal in place, the Bernabeu is ready to welcome its newest star. The future is bright, and Los Blancos are just getting started. 🤍⭐️