Dean Huijsen is set to complete his high-profile move to Real Madrid. According to all major English and Spanish media outlets, Los Blancos have triggered the release clause in the Spanish defender's contract, and talks with Bournemouth are in the final stages.
Dean Huijsen's impending move to Real Madrid is shaping up to be one of the headline transfers of the summer window, not just for its financial implications, but also for what it represents in terms of Real Madrid’s long-term strategy.
At just 20 years old, Huijsen is already being recognized as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe, and his journey from Juventus’ youth ranks to a £50 million move to the Santiago Bernabéu is nothing short of remarkable.
The young defender’s name has been circulating among Europe’s elite clubs for several months. Scouts from multiple top sides had been monitoring his development closely, especially following his impressive displays in the Premier League with Bournemouth. While Chelsea were considered serious contenders at one stage reportedly initiating internal discussions and preparing a bid Real Madrid always remained at the front of the queue. Their interest wasn't just based on his technical ability, but also on his mentality and potential to develop into a world-class centre-back under the club’s tutelage.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were also heavily linked, but Huijsen’s preference for a club with a proven record of developing young stars and consistently competing at the highest level reportedly tipped the scales in Madrid’s favor. It is said that conversations between Huijsen’s representatives and Real Madrid have been ongoing for several weeks, and the final agreement is now believed to be in place.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid will pay Bournemouth a total of £50 million (€60 million) for Huijsen, making him one of the most expensive defensive signings in the club's recent history. The fee will be paid in three installments, which is consistent with the club’s financial strategy of spreading large transfer costs over multiple years. It also highlights the club’s commitment to managing its finances responsibly despite making high-profile acquisitions.
What makes this deal even more notable is the context of Huijsen’s transfer history. Bournemouth signed him from Juventus just last summer for a reported fee of around £12.5 million. The fact that the Cherries are now selling him for four times that amount less than a year later speaks volumes about the player’s rapid development and market value. Juventus, meanwhile, stand to benefit from the deal thanks to a 10 percent sell-on clause included in their original agreement with Bournemouth. This could see the Italian giants pocket around £5 million from the transfer an unexpected but welcome windfall.
Huijsen’s arrival in Madrid will mark the club’s first official signing of the summer, and he is expected to join up with the first team immediately for pre-season preparations. Reports from Spain suggest that manager Carlo Ancelotti sees him as an ideal long-term replacement for veterans like Nacho and even potentially David Alaba. While it is unlikely that Huijsen will be thrown into the starting eleven immediately, the club’s plan appears to be to gradually integrate him into the senior squad while giving him opportunities to gain experience in domestic cup matches and lower-pressure La Liga fixtures.
Club insiders believe Huijsen could eventually form a central defensive pairing with Éder Militão or Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has also shown promise in deeper roles. His height, composure, and tactical awareness make him a natural fit for Real Madrid’s style of play, which values ball-playing defenders capable of initiating attacks from the back.
The excitement surrounding Huijsen's signing is also heightened by what it signals about Florentino Pérez’s intentions for the summer transfer window. Far from being a one-off acquisition, this move is reportedly part of a broader plan to reinforce the squad across several key positions. High on that list is Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer once his contract expires. Negotiations are said to be in the final stages, with personal terms close to being agreed. If completed, it would be one of the most high-profile free transfers in recent memory.
Additionally, Real Madrid are exploring options to strengthen the left side of their defense. Álvaro Carreras, currently at Benfica, has emerged as a serious target. The 21-year-old Spanish full-back has impressed with his performances in Portugal, and Madrid see him as a strong contender to compete with or even succeed Ferland Mendy, whose injury record and inconsistency have raised concerns within the club.
There are also growing rumors about Kylian Mbappé’s long-awaited move to the Spanish capital finally materializing this summer. While that deal remains a separate saga, the simultaneous pursuit of Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold, and Carreras underlines a wider strategy: to future-proof the Real Madrid squad with a mix of elite youth and proven international talent.
For now, all eyes are on Huijsen as he prepares to complete his medical and sign a long-term contract with the Spanish giants. His arrival will no doubt add depth, quality, and competition to a Real Madrid back line that has already seen considerable evolution over the last two seasons. From a career perspective, Huijsen’s move is a huge leap forward one that places him at the center of global football’s biggest stage. For Real Madrid, it is a calculated investment in the future of their defense, and perhaps the start of yet another dominant era.
