Dean Huijsen: Real Madrid beat Premier League hopefuls to Bournemouth centre-back's signing

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·17 May 2025

Dean Huijsen: Real Madrid beat Premier League hopefuls to Bournemouth centre-back's signing

The Spaniard has been nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award after a sparkling debut campaign

On the move: dean huijsen

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Dean Huijsen’s £50million move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid has been confirmed, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the player’s future.

The Spanish international signed with the Cherries from Juventus last summer after spending a season on loan at Roma, and will now make the switch to La Liga.

It was reported on Wednesday that Real Madrid had made the centre-back a contract offer as they looked to beat the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal to his signature, triggering his £50m release clause shortly thereafter.

Huijsen has signed a five-year contract with the 36-time La Liga champions Real Madrid, who this year will finish second to Barcelona in the Spanish top flight. He is expected to join up ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup after completing the season with Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old has been key to Andoni Iraola’s side this season as they recorded Bournemouth’s highest ever Premier League points tally, scoring three goals and earning a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.

His soaring campaign also saw him make his senior debut for the Spanish national team in March, a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. He will return to Spain at club level for the first time since leaving Malaga CF’s academy in 2021.

Huijsen has gained a reputation as a quality defender and hard tackler with a penchant for ball carrying and distribution. Upon arrival in Madrid, he will join ranks with world-class defenders in Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy. He may also link up with Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, reported to be close to joining Los Blancos after it was confirmed he would leave Liverpool this summer once his contract expires.