Real Madrid Football Club has officially confirmed the acquisition of 20-year-old Spanish defender, Dean Huijsen, as its first major signing for the 2025/2026 football season. The announcement was made on Friday, with the highly rated centre-back sealing a five-year contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabéu until June 2030.
Huijsen, who joined from English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, made headlines after Real Madrid activated his £50 million release clause. His transfer marks a significant step in the club’s defensive reinforcements as it prepares for the upcoming season amid injury concerns involving key defenders like David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Antonio Rüdiger.
Born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain, Huijsen began his youth career with Málaga CF before moving to Juventus. He later had a loan spell with AS Roma and joined Bournemouth in mid-2024. During his stint in the Premier League, he made 34 appearances and scored three goals, helping Bournemouth secure a top-ten finish.
Despite interest from several European clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool, Huijsen opted for Real Madrid, citing his long-standing admiration for the Spanish giants and the opportunity to play in his country of upbringing.
Sources close to the club have linked the signing with the impending appointment of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s new manager, a move expected to usher in a new era for the club both in strategy and squad rebuilding.
Huijsen is expected to join the team’s pre-season training in the coming weeks and could make his debut at the FIFA Club World Cup later this year.
