Aksel Kryhlmand
Real Madrid moved quickly to seal the transfer before the player departs to participate in the Club World Cup
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen in a deal worth £50 million, marking one of the standout transfers of the summer window so far.
The 20-year-old Spain international will join the European giants after they agreed to pay his release clause in three instalments. Despite significant interest from top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle, Huijsen made it clear that his priority was a return to Spain and a move to the Bernabéu.
Breakout Star of the Season
Huijsen arrived at Bournemouth from Juventus last summer for just £12.6 million, but his rise has been meteoric.
He has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and helping Andoni Iraola’s side break their Premier League points record. Juventus will receive 10% of the transfer fee as part of a sell-on clause.
Bournemouth released a statement praising his contribution:
Dean has been instrumental in our record-breaking campaign. His professionalism and impact on the pitch have left a lasting mark.
A Swift Exit to Join Club World Cup Campaign
Real Madrid moved quickly to seal the transfer before the player departs to participate in the Club World Cup. Huijsen requested the deal be completed swiftly to stay focused on Bournemouth’s push for European qualification.
His familiarity with Spanish football, having come through Malaga’s youth system before joining Juventus, added to the appeal of a return.
The Numbers Behind the Move
Analysts consider Huijsen one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders. His defensive instincts, particularly his interception timing and clearance efficiency, rank alongside the likes of Arsenal’s William Saliba. His composure and passing range have also suited Bournemouth’s direct and vertical style under Iraola.
If expected goals alone determined the league table, Bournemouth would be sixth, and Huijsen is central to that success,
At just 20, Huijsen is widely seen as a long-term investment for Real Madrid’s backline, a defender with the potential to anchor their defence for the next decade.
Sky Sports Insight: A Deal That Took Everyone by Surprise
It was a quiet signing in July 2024, but Huijsen’s move from Juventus to Bournemouth now looks like genius. One year on, £12m has become £50m, reported Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam.
His experience with Juventus and Roma clearly shaped him, but Bournemouth’s foresight in giving him the stage to shine has paid off massively. The queue to sign him stretched from Madrid to Merseyside.
⚽ Transfer Summary
- Player: Dean Huijsen
- From: Bournemouth
- To: Real Madrid
- Fee: £50 million (release clause, paid in three instalments)
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Spanish
- 2024/25 Stats: 34 appearances, 3 goals
Real Madrid’s acquisition of Huijsen may go down as one of the most impactful signings of the season, not just for what he offers now, but for the defensive dominance he could bring for years to come.