Real Madrid secured the signing of Spanish defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth on Saturday after triggering his £50 million ($59 million) release clause.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million, made a strong impression during his debut Premier League season.
“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 an official statement.
Bournemouth acknowledged Madrid’s activation of the release clause, with reports indicating that Huijsen’s former clubs Juventus and Malaga will receive portions of the transfer fee.
Madrid acted swiftly to finalize the deal amid competition from multiple Premier League sides for the highly rated Spain international.
Huijsen, who will be eligible to feature in this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States, could make his debut against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami.
Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen relocated to Spain at age five and developed in Malaga’s youth system before rising through Juventus’ ranks. He earned his first senior cap for Spain in March, playing a key role in their Nations League semifinal-clinching victory over the Netherlands.
The signing addresses a pressing need for defensive reinforcement at Madrid, who endured a trophyless campaign marked by 14 losses across competitions.
Huijsen’s arrival coincides with a transitional period for the club, as manager Carlo Ancelotti prepares to depart for the Brazil national team with Xabi Alonso strongly linked as his successor.
The young defender is expected to be joined at the Bernabeu by Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires this summer.