Real Madrid sign Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50 million

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Spain international Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth after triggering his £50 million release clause.

The 20-year-old centre-back, who joined the Premier League side from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million, caught the eye in his debut season in England. Madrid announced on Saturday that Huijsen has agreed a five-year deal, running from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2030.

"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," read a club statement.

Bournemouth also confirmed the move, adding that Madrid had activated the buyout clause in the defender's contract. The deal will see Huijsen's previous clubs, Juventus and Málaga, receive a share of the fee due to sell-on clauses.

Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen moved to Spain at the age of five and began his footballing journey in Málaga's academy. He made his senior international debut for Spain in March, playing against his birth country and helping La Roja secure a victory that sealed their place in the UEFA Nations League final four.

With Real Madrid preparing for a summer rebuild, the signing is viewed as part of a long-term defensive overhaul. The Spanish giants have endured a difficult campaign, losing 14 matches across competitions and finishing without a major trophy.

Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave the club to take charge of Brazil's national team, with Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso widely expected to succeed him at the Bernabéu.

Huijsen is also expected to be part of Real Madrid's squad for the Club World Cup in the United States, where they will begin their campaign on 18 June in Miami against Al-Hilal.

He is likely to be joined in Madrid's defensive line by England international Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to arrive on a free transfer following the end of his contract at Liverpool.