Real Madrid have finalized the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in a £50 million ($66m) transfer after triggering the defender’s release clause. The move marks a significant milestone in Huijsen’s career, as he prepares to play in La Liga for the first time.
Huijsen, 20, began his youth career at Malaga before joining Juventus, where he eventually broke into professional football. He spent the 2024/25 season with Bournemouth following a £12.8m ($17m) transfer from Juve last summer. The Cherries now secure a substantial return on their investment, having seen the centre-back make 30 Premier League appearances this season and help the club finish securely in 10th place.
Bournemouth confirmed the deal in an official statement: “AFC Bournemouth can confirm that defender Dean Huijsen will join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, with the Spanish side having activated a £50 million release clause.”
Real Madrid also released a statement welcoming the Spanish international, saying: “Real Madrid C.F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of Dean Huijsen, who will join our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030. At just 20 years old, Huijsen is already a Spanish international and has played in Italy’s Serie A with Juventus and Roma, as well as the Premier League with Bournemouth. He is also a nominee for the 2024-2025 Premier League Young Player of the Year award.”
Before heading to Spain, Huijsen will complete Bournemouth’s final two matches of the season, facing Manchester City and Leicester. He is expected to bid farewell in the home fixture against the Foxes before beginning preparations for his new chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu—potentially including participation in this summer’s Club World Cup with Los Blancos.
