OFFICIAL: Real Madrid announce first summer signing

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 May 2025 11:03 CDT
• 4 min read

News

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, both clubs have announced.

Los Blancos have beaten a host of Premier League clubs to land the 20-year-old Spain international.

The Bernabeu side have triggered Huijsen’s release clause of €60 million (£50m) to complete the move, with the centre-back having signed a five-year contract with the legendary club that will expire in 2030.

Current ETV

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

Dean Huijsen

D (C)

B'mouth

€55M

ETV Range

€49.5M - €60.5M

View full profile

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all chased the Netherlands-born defender, but Real Madrid accelerated their interest significantly in recent days and were able to land the player. This move leaves the Premier League trio looking at other options in the market.

Huijsen is Los Blancos’ first official signing of the summer, with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to follow as a free agent in a matter of days.

A statement from Los Blancos reads: "Real Madrid C. F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who is linked to our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030.

"At the age of 20, Dean Huijsen is already international with Spain and has played in the Italian Serie A with Juventus and Roma, and in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

"Dean Huijsen is nominated for best young player of the Premier League 2024-2025."

Dean Huijsen: The Premier League’s breakout star of 2024/25

Huijsen has enjoyed a remarkable spell since signing for Bournemouth from Juventus 12 months ago. That deal was worth €15m and he will now depart for more than three times that figure.

Having been a bit-part player with Juve, he has been thrust straight into action in the Premier League and has not missed a beat, playing 30 times for Bournemouth and scoring three goals in England’s top-flight.

Statistically, he has been a monster defensively. This, combined with his age, has led Real Madrid to trust him to become their central defensive star of the future.

Real Madrid are expected to sign another major centre-back either this summer or next in a major renovation project in their defence. This ageing unit has been plagued by injury problems throughout the 2024/25 season and has been one of the major reasons Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been comparatively uncompetitive.

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