Real Move for a Breakout Premier League Star

Real Madrid have confirmed the early signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth by activating his £50 million release clause, payable in three instalments. The 20-year-old centre-back will join Los Blancos after helping Andoni Iraola’s side finish the Premier League campaign and compete at the Club World Cup.

Top European Clubs Miss Out

Interest in Huijsen was fierce. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all monitored the Bournemouth defender during his breakthrough season, but it was Real who moved first. For Huijsen, returning to Spain—where he came through Málaga’s youth ranks—was always the priority.

Record-Breaking Bournemouth Campaign

Huijsen joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer for just £12.6 million. In his first season at Dean Court he:

• Made 34 appearances in all competitions
• Scored three goals
• Helped the Cherries set a new club points record in the Premier League

“The centre-back, who joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer, has been instrumental in the club’s record-breaking campaign, which has seen Andoni Iraola’s side already break their highest points tally in the Premier League.”

Defensive Mastery Meets Ball-Playing Flair

What sets Huijsen apart is his reading of the game. His knack for interceptions ranks among the best in England, rivalled only by the likes of William Saliba. He also boasts a high clearance rate and excels in long-range passing, fitting perfectly into Bournemouth’s vertical playing style and driving the team forward.

From Serie A to La Liga: A Long-Term Bet

Real Madrid aren’t just investing in Huijsen’s immediate impact—they see a decade-long future. His experience at Juventus and Roma as a teenager has shaped a composed, confident defender ready for the Bernabéu.

“It was a transfer that went under the radar in the summer of 2024. But less than 12 months later, £12 million has turned into £50 million,”

“At the back end of July, before the window had even got going, Bournemouth signed a young 19-year-old defender from Juventus. That man was Dean Huijsen… From Real Madrid to Liverpool, Newcastle to Barcelona, the queue to get him went round the block and back again.”

— Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam

What’s Next for Huijsen and Real Madrid

Huijsen will link up with Carlo Ancelotti’s squad as they prepare for the summer tour and the 2025–26 season. His arrival signals Real’s commitment to youth and defensive depth, while Bournemouth will reinvest the windfall into their own recruitment model.

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