Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen after agreeing to activate the 20-year-old’s £50 million release clause.
The Spain international is expected to finalise personal terms with the Spanish giants in the coming days, turning down interest from several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle, in favour of a return to Spain, where he was raised.
Real Madrid will pay the fee in three installments, with Huijsen’s former clubs Juventus and Malaga set to benefit from the move. Juventus are due 10% of the fee, while Malaga will receive 5%.
The deal is expected to be completed before next month’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. It will mark Real Madrid’s second signing from the Premier League this summer, following the expected arrival of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Real’s incoming manager, Xabi Alonso, is said to have played a key role in the move, prioritising the signing of a young centre-back to bolster the squad ahead of the new season.
Huijsen made his senior international debut for Spain against the Netherlands during the March 2025 window.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who handed the youngster his first cap, is confident Huijsen is ready for the next step in his career.
“I see him, as long as nothing gets in the way, as capable of playing for any team,” De la Fuente told BBC Sport.
“Huijsen is having a great season in the Premier League and is ready. I’m sure he’ll keep improving with time, naturally.”
Huijsen only joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer in a £12.6 million move, but has quickly risen to prominence.
The Netherlands-born defender has impressed across 34 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.
