Real Madrid’s New 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 acquisition 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 centre-back, who joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer, has been instrumental in the club’s record-breaking campaign, which has seen Andoni Iraola’s side already break their highest points tally in the Premier League,” the club stated. They also expressed their eagerness to work with Huijsen for the remaining two games of the season before he embarks on his new journey with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid, on their part, 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 nomination for the 2024-2025 Premier League Young Player of the Year award further underscores his potential and talent.
Real Madrid’s decision to sign Huijsen comes as no surprise, given their struggles with defensive injuries throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Key players like Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba have all faced extended periods on the sidelines, along with full-backs Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vázquez.
During a recent news conference, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his excitement about the new signing. “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 stated.
Real Madrid are also reportedly looking to bolster their squad further by securing the arrivals of full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras before the Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14. Sources have indicated that Xabi Alonso could be in place as manager by that time, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
Interestingly, ESPN reported in March that Madrid had been prioritizing Huijsen, who had impressed during a loan spell at Roma before his move to England. The Spanish club had 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 goals. Both Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with the young talent before Madrid accelerated their pursuit. Huijsen, who idolizes Sergio Ramos, will now don the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid.
- Real Madrid confirm Huijsen signing
- Huijsen to play in Club World Cup
- Madrid’s defensive woes addressed
Information from ESPN’s Alex Kirkland contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN
