Real Madrid have agreed to activate the £50 million release clause in Dean Huijsen’s contract with Bournemouth, setting the stage for the 20-year-old centre-back to join the reigning European and Spanish champions. The move represents a significant statement from Real ahead of next month’s inaugural Club World Cup in the United States.
Multiple sources confirmed to BBC Sport that the deal is in its final stages, with personal terms close to being finalized. The fee will be paid in three instalments, with Juventus and Malaga—Huijsen’s previous clubs—entitled to 10% and 5% of the transfer fee respectively. The Netherlands-born defender had only joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer for £12.6 million but quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young defenders.
Despite strong interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle, Huijsen has opted to return to Spain, where he spent his formative years in Marbella. Real Madrid beat out at least seven offers, with the player’s preference to return to his adopted home playing a major role in his decision.
Xabi Alonso’s Influence and Real’s Defensive Ambitions
Huijsen’s move has been heavily influenced by incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who is preparing to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season. The Bayer Leverkusen boss has long been an admirer of Huijsen and reportedly identified the defender as a priority signing upon assuming his new role at the Bernabeu.
Alonso, known for his tactical precision and defensive organization, sees Huijsen as a long-term solution for Real Madrid’s central defense. The club is seeking to bolster its squad depth and physical resilience to cope with the increasing demands of domestic and international fixtures. In Huijsen, they believe they have secured a player who combines Premier League toughness with Spanish tactical awareness.
Madrid have already made headlines this summer with the acquisition of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Huijsen will become the club’s second signing from the Premier League as they build for the future with a youthful, dynamic core.
Bournemouth’s Windfall: Cherries Set to Quadruple Investment
Bournemouth, who signed Huijsen for a modest £12.6 million in 2024, are set to make a significant profit as Real Madrid prepare to pay the full £50 million release clause. The deal could rise to £15 million with add-ons, but even at its base figure, the Cherries will have more than quadrupled their investment in just one year.
Tiago Pinto, Bournemouth’s president of football operations, was instrumental in securing Huijsen’s signature from Juventus. Having watched the defender closely during his loan spell at Roma, Pinto moved swiftly to take advantage of Juventus’ financial need. His decision has proven prescient, with Huijsen becoming a key part of Andoni Iraola’s backline.
The Spaniard made 34 appearances across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, scoring three goals and emerging as one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents. His breakthrough came after an injury to Marcos Senesi, and he quickly cemented his spot, notably scoring the winner in a December clash against Tottenham.
Huijsen’s A Spain International Returns Home
Although born in the Netherlands, Huijsen chose to represent Spain at international level after a tug-of-war between the two nations. He made his debut for La Roja in March 2025, ironically against the country of his birth, and is considered a major part of Spain’s long-term plans following their triumph at the 2024 European Championship.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who gave Huijsen his international debut, spoke glowingly of the young defender’s potential. “I don’t see any limits,” De la Fuente told BBC Sport. “He’s having a great season in the Premier League and is ready. I see him as capable of playing for any team, and I’m sure he’ll keep improving.”
Huijsen’s return to Spain marks a homecoming for a player who began his football journey at Costa Unida CF in Marbella before joining Malaga’s youth ranks. Now, he will wear the famous white of Real Madrid—his boyhood dream realized.
Real Invest Early to Meet Growing Demands
The move for Huijsen is part of Real Madrid’s broader strategy to strengthen areas of the squad where durability and depth have become concerns. In recent seasons, the physical demands of elite football have taken a toll on players across Europe, with injuries and fixture congestion affecting consistency and performance.
Real Madrid recognize that central defense is one such area requiring reinforcement, especially with aging stalwarts like David Alaba and injury-prone Éder Militão in the squad. In Dean Huijsen, they see a player with Premier League conditioning, top-level potential, and youth on his side.
The club is eager to complete the signing before next month’s FIFA Club World Cup, where they aim to showcase their refreshed squad to a global audience. If all goes to plan, Huijsen will join a new generation of Galácticos primed for domestic dominance and continental glory.
