Real Madrid are set to sign Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen after agreeing to pay his £50 million release clause.
Real Madrid have taken a major step in their summer rebuild under incoming manager Xabi Alonso by activating the £50 million release clause of Bournemouth’s highly rated defender Dean Huijsen. The deal is at an advanced stage, with the Spanish giants now in talks with the 20-year-old over personal terms.
Huijsen, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12.6 million just last summer, has had a standout debut season in the Premier League. His composed performances and leadership at the back were pivotal to the Cherries’ impressive defensive record — only Liverpool and Arsenal conceded fewer goals — and he also contributed offensively with three goals and an assist in 34 appearances.
Despite strong interest from top Premier League sides including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle, Huijsen has opted for a return to Spain — the country where he was raised and began his footballing journey at Costa Unida CF and Malaga’s youth system. His decision to choose Real Madrid reportedly came after turning down up to seven other offers, with the player’s personal ambitions and emotional ties to Spain playing a major role.
The young centre-back is expected to form a new-look defence at Madrid alongside Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose transfer is also nearing completion. After a season marred by inconsistency and four El Clasico defeats to Barcelona, Real are determined to bounce back — and securing Huijsen’s signature marks a significant step forward in that mission.
