Real Madrid have completed the signing of Spain international Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth after activating his £50 million release clause.
The 20-year-old centre-back made a strong impression in his debut Premier League season following a £12.8 million move from Juventus to the Cherries in 2024.
His performances attracted attention across Europe, prompting Real Madrid to move swiftly amid interest from several Premier League clubs.
“Real Madrid and Bournemouth have reached a deal for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who will be at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2030,” the Spanish giants confirmed in a statement on Friday.
Bournemouth also announced the transfer, confirming Madrid had triggered the defender’s release clause. Reports indicate that both Juventus and Málaga, Huijsen’s former clubs, will receive a percentage of the fee as part of agreed sell-on clauses.
Huijsen, who was born in the Netherlands but moved to Spain with his family at the age of five, came through Málaga’s youth system before joining Juventus. He made his senior debut for Spain in March, helping La Roja defeat the Netherlands to book a spot in the UEFA Nations League final four.
He will be eligible to play for Real Madrid at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, with their first fixture scheduled against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
The transfer comes at a time of transition for Madrid, which endured a disappointing season, finishing without a major trophy and suffering 14 defeats across all competitions. The club is also preparing for a managerial change, with Carlo Ancelotti set to leave for the Brazil national team and Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso expected to take the reins.
Despite the turbulence, Ancelotti praised the acquisition of Huijsen.
“He’s a great player, young, he has a lot of potential — it’s a very good signing by Real Madrid,” said Ancelotti ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash with Sevilla.
“Every player that Real Madrid signs excites me, because Real Madrid always want to be at the top, and they will always be at the top.”
Huijsen is expected to be joined at the Santiago Bernabéu this summer by England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract.
