Real Madrid’s Latest Signing: Dean Huijsen Joins the Ranks
In a move that has sent ripples through the football world, Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen. The LaLiga giants confirmed the news early on May 17, 2025, marking a significant addition to their squad.
Huijsen, who has been a standout performer in his debut Premier League season, made the switch to Bournemouth from Juventus. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and Real Madrid have acted swiftly to secure his services by meeting his £50 million ($60m) transfer clause. This move ensures that Huijsen will be available to play in the upcoming Club World Cup in June.
Bournemouth, in a statement, highlighted Huijsen’s pivotal role in their record-breaking campaign under manager Andoni Iraola. The club has already surpassed their highest points tally in the Premier League, thanks in no small part to Huijsen’s contributions. “Everyone at AFC Bournemouth is looking forward to working with Dean for the remaining two games of the Premier League season, before he embarks on the next step of his career,” the statement read.
Real Madrid have confirmed that Huijsen will officially join the club on June 1, just in time for the Club World Cup. “Real Madrid C.F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of Dean Huijsen, who will remain at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030,” the club announced.
At just 20 years old, Huijsen is already a Spanish international and has experience playing in Italy’s Serie A with Juventus and Roma, as well as in the Premier League with Bournemouth. His talent has been recognized with a nomination for the 2024-2025 Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
For Real Madrid, Huijsen’s signing is a strategic move to bolster their defense, which has been plagued by injuries throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Key players like Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba have all faced extended spells on the sidelines, along with full-backs Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vázquez.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his excitement about the new signing during a recent news conference. “Huijsen is a great, young player with a lot of potential. It’s a very good signing. It’s exciting, Real Madrid always want to be at the top and they always will be. Last year [signing a defender] wasn’t an option, we had Alaba coming back, Militão fit, Carvajal fit, and during the season those injuries affected us,” Ancelotti said.
In addition to Huijsen, Real Madrid are reportedly looking to secure the arrival of full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras before the Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14. Sources have also indicated that Xabi Alonso could be in place as manager by that time, with the Spaniard set to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
ESPN reported in March that Madrid had Huijsen, who impressed on loan at Roma before his move to England, as a priority. The club nearly signed him when he was a youth player at Malaga, but his family opted for him to continue his development in Italy.
Born in Amsterdam, Huijsen has made 29 Premier League appearances this season, scoring three times. Both Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with the young talent before Madrid accelerated their pursuit. Huijsen, who credits Sergio Ramos as one of his idols, will now don the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid.
- Real Madrid confirm signing of Dean Huijsen
- Huijsen to join in time for Club World Cup
- Madrid’s defense bolstered amid injury woes
Information from ESPN’s Alex Kirkland contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN
