OFFICIAL: Huijsen makes €58m move to Real Madrid

Real Madrid have officially signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth after a €58 million release clause was triggered by Los Blancos. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have been beaten in the race for the 20-year-old, who has penned a five-year deal to seal his stay in the Spanish capital until 2030.

"Real Madrid C. F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Dean Huijsen, who is linked to our club for the next five seasons, from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2030," reads a statement from the 15-time Champions League winners.

After spells with Malaga, Juventus and Roma, the Netherlands native finally made his breakthrough with the Cherries, whom he joined last summer for around €15 million, and quickly gained the attention of various European giants. He looked to be heading towards another adventure in the Premier League, but Real Madrid's pursuit intensified in recent days to seal his return to the Iberian Peninsula.

It is understood that Xabi Alonso, who is expected to be announced as Real Madrid's new manager following Carlo Ancelotti's departure, was a key player in the club's push for Huijsen. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss has reportedly demanded a new addition in defence, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, before the Club World Cup in June.

With Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vazquez currently all sidelined with long-term injuries, and most of them ruled our for the Club World Cup, Huijsen's arrival is a major boost for the Merengues ahead of the tournament, which will debut in the United States on June 14.

In the months leading to the transfer, Huijsen had described it as "an honour" to be linked with Real Madrid. "It's special for sure," the Spain international had told 'Relevo' when asked about the La Liga powerhouse's reported interest. "My idol is Sergio Ramos, he's a reference. For me, he's the best CB in history. He has everything, he's a legend".

On another occasion, he had said: "One of my close friends sent me a story about Real Madrid and said: 'Go to Madrid! It's a big club. Every player wants to play in the biggest possible." Huijsen leaves the English top flight after making 30 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist for Andoni Iraola's Cherries side.

He also becomes the 11th most expensive Real Madrid signing, overtaking the likes of Militao (€50m), Mendy (€48m), Endrick (€47,5m) and Rodrygo (€45m). He just misses out on the top ten spots, occupied by Luis Figo, who cost the Merengues €60 million.

Bournemouth also released a statement to announce Huijsen's departure, with just two games, against Man City and Leicester, to go until the end of the season: "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."