Real Madrid has officially signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in a major transfer deal. The 20-year-old centre-back will join the Spanish club starting June 1, 2025, on a contract lasting five years until June 30, 2030.
Real Madrid issued a statement confirming the agreement: “Real Madrid and Bournemouth have reached a deal for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who will be at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1 2025, until June 30, 2030,” as reported by AFP.
Bournemouth confirmed the move, noting that Real Madrid “activated a £50 million release clause” to bring Huijsen to the Santiago Bernabeu. Reports also indicate that some of the transfer fee will go to the player’s former clubs, Juventus and Malaga, due to previous agreements.
Huijsen has made a strong impression during his single season at Bournemouth after transferring from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million. The defender’s rise has attracted attention from several Premier League teams, but Real Madrid acted swiftly to secure his signature.
Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen moved to Spain with his family at the age of five and developed his skills in Malaga’s youth academy. He made his international debut for Spain in a Nations League match against the Netherlands, contributing to Spain’s win and helping the team reach the final four.
Real Madrid plans to include Huijsen in their squad for the Club World Cup this summer, which will take place in the United States. The team’s first match will be against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
The club has faced defensive struggles this season, losing 14 matches across all competitions and ending without any major trophies. This signing is seen as part of a wider effort to strengthen the team’s defense.
Additionally, Real Madrid is preparing for a summer of change. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is leaving to manage Brazil’s national team, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso set to take over.
