Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen after deciding to trigger his £50 million release clause. The 20-year-old Spain international is nearing an agreement on personal terms with the Spanish giants, having turned down a number of proposals from English clubs.
The defender’s contract at Bournemouth, signed less than a year ago, includes the clause Madrid are now ready to activate. The fee will be split into three separate payments, with former clubs Juventus and Malaga entitled to 10% and 5% respectively.
Sources indicate the transfer is well advanced, with full confirmation expected soon. Real Madrid are keen to finalise the move ahead of the first edition of the Club World Cup in the United States, which begins next month.
Interest from England and return to Spain
Huijsen attracted interest from several Premier League teams including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle. In total, seven offers were submitted for the defender, who ultimately chose to return to Spain, the country where he spent most of his youth.
Raised in Marbella, he played for local side Costa Unida CF and later joined Malaga’s youth academy before moving abroad. His familiarity with Spanish football and life played a role in his decision to move back.
Xabi Alonso, the Bayer Leverkusen head coach expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, has played a key role in the club’s push to sign a young central defender. Huijsen’s profile and development have made him a priority for Alonso’s future plans.
Rise through the ranks and International breakthrough
Huijsen arrived at Bournemouth from Juventus last summer in a £12.6 million deal. During his first season with the Cherries, he made 34 appearances across all competitions and scored three goals.
Born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain, the centre-back was the subject of a national team battle between both countries. He ultimately chose to represent Spain at senior level, debuting in March 2025 against the Netherlands.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, who handed him his first international cap, believes the move to Real Madrid is a natural step forward. “If nothing gets in his way, he is capable of playing anywhere,” De la Fuente said. “He’s having an outstanding season in England and will only continue to grow.”
The deal would make Huijsen the second player joining Real Madrid from the Premier League this summer, with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also preparing for a transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu.
