OFFICIAL: Dean Huijsen joins Real Madrid for 58 million euros

Real Madrid have signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for €58m (£44m) after triggering his €58m release clause. The 20 year old beat competition from Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea to sign a five-year deal with the Spanish giants, which runs until 2030.

In an official statement, Real Madrid said: 
“Real Madrid CF and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen. He will play for Real Madrid from June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030.”

Huijsen played for Malaga, Juventus and Roma before moving to Bournemouth last summer for around €15m. He quickly impressed & attracted the attention of many big European clubs. Initially, it was thought that Huijsen would continue to stay in the Premier League, but Real Madrid have accelerated in recent days to bring him to Spain.

Xabi Alonso who is likely to become Real Madrid’s new manager after Carlo Ancelotti leaves is understood to have played a key role in the deal with Alonso keen to add a defensive midfielder to Trent Alexander-Arnold before the Club World Cup begins in June.

Currently, a series of Real Madrid defenders such as Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and Lucas Vazquez are all suffering from long-term injuries. Therefore, Huijsen’s arrival is a timely addition for Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup taking place in the US from June 14.

Before the deal, Huijsen said that Real Madrid’s interest was an “honour”. He told Relevo: 
“It’s really special. My idol is Sergio Ramos – a legend. For me, he is the best centre-back in history, he has everything.”

On another occasion, Huijsen also shared: “My friend sent me an article saying that Real Madrid were interested in me and said: ‘Come to Madrid! It’s a big club everyone wants to play for the biggest club.’”

Huijsen leaves the Premier League after making 30 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

With a fee of 58 million euros, Huijsen became the 11th most expensive contract in Real Madrid’s history, surpassing stars such as Militao (50 million euros), Mendy (48 million euros), Endrick (47.5 million euros) and Rodrygo (45 million euros). He is only one place behind Luis Figo – who joined Real for 60 million euros.

Bournemouth also announced Huijsen’s departure, saying: 
“Everyone at AFC Bournemouth looks forward to working with Dean in the final two games of the season against Man City and Leicester, before he moves on to the next chapter of his career.”