Real Madrid is nearing a deal to acquire 20-year-old center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, having agreed to meet the player’s $50 million release clause. The Spanish club is currently in discussions to finalize arrangements with the player’s representatives.
Huijsen, a promising talent in European soccer, transferred from Juventus to Bournemouth last season for about $15 million. Now, just a year later, he is set to make a significant leap by joining Real Madrid. With Carlo Ancelotti departing from Real Madrid after May 26 to take charge of Brazil’s national team, club president Florentino Perez is expected to usher in changes, including the appointment of club legend Xabi Alonso as the new manager.
As Alonso prepares for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, substantial transfer activity at Real Madrid is anticipated, starting with Huijsen’s arrival and potentially including Liverpool’s defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to join as a free agent.
Several clubs expressed interest in signing Huijsen this summer due to his impressive skills showcased during his inaugural Premier League season, where he scored three goals. Teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal were contenders before Real Madrid entered the fray.
Here’s what to know about Huijsen:
Early career:
Born in Amsterdam in 2005, Huijsen obtained Spanish citizenship in 2024, later representing Spain in an official debut in March 2025. After relocating to Spain as a child, he joined the Malaga academy before moving to Juventus at 16, where he played briefly for the first team.
Strengths:
Considered an aggressive, modern defender, Huijsen excels at intercepting passes and engaging strikers early. Standing at 6-foot-6, he capitalizes on aerial duels, boasting a 59.3% success rate in the Premier League. His high pass completion rate of 84.3% positions him as a strong option in offensive setups.
Weaknesses:
At such a young age, Huijsen has room for improvement, particularly in maintaining discipline; he picked up six yellow cards in this season alone. Although he adjusts well to the physicality of the Premier League, enhancing his speed is critical, particularly under Alonso’s expected high defensive line.
Given his experience and capabilities, Huijsen’s transition to Real Madrid could be pivotal, especially with a manager known for refining young talent.
