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. Real Madrid, keen to bolster their defensive line, swooped in to secure the 20-year-old’s services by meeting his £50 million ($60m) transfer clause. This strategic move ensures Huijsen’s availability for the upcoming Club World Cup in June.
In a statement, Bournemouth expressed their sentiments: “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.” They added, “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.”
Real Madrid, on their part, confirmed that Huijsen will officially join the club on June 1, just in time for the Club World Cup. Their statement read: “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.”
Huijsen’s credentials are impressive. At just 20 years old, he 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 performances have earned him a nomination for the 2024-2025 Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
For Real Madrid, Huijsen is the first signing ahead of the next season. The club has faced a challenging 2024-25 campaign, plagued by defensive injuries. Key players like Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba have all spent significant time on the sidelines, along with full-backs Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vázquez.
During a recent news conference, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts on 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.”
Real Madrid’s ambitions don’t stop with Huijsen. The club is also eyeing the acquisition of full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras before the Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14, according to sources from ESPN.
Adding to the excitement, Xabi Alonso is rumored to be in line to replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager, potentially by the time the Club World Cup begins.
ESPN had reported back in March that Madrid had prioritized Huijsen, who had previously impressed during a loan spell at Roma before his move to England. Interestingly, Madrid nearly signed Huijsen 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. Before Madrid accelerated their pursuit, both Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with the promising youngster. Huijsen, who idolizes Sergio Ramos, is now set to don the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid.
Information from ESPN’s Alex Kirkland contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN
