Dean Huijsen is the Real deal! Real Madrid confirm £50m swoop for Spain international after activating Bournemouth centre-back's release clause

Madrid have signed Huijsen from Bournemouth for a £50m fee after activating his release clause. The centre-back played for Malaga's youth team between 2015 and 2021 but moved to Juventus before making his professional debut; now, though, he is set to play in La Liga for the first time. He could also play in the Club World Cup for Los Blancos this summer.

Huijsen only moved to Bournemouth from Juve last summer, for an initial £12.8m ($17m), so the Cherries are making an immense profit on the 20-year-old. He has made 30 Premier League appearances this season, with the club safely ensconced in 10th place in the table. The club said in a statement: "AFC Bournemouth can confirm that defender Dean Huijsen will join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, with the Spanish side having activated a £50 million release clause."

Los Blancos said in a statement: "Real Madrid C.F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of Dean Huijsen, who remains at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030. At 20 years old, Dean Huijsen is already a Spanish international and has played in Italy's Serie A with Juventus and Roma, and in the Premier League with Bournemouth. Dean Huijsen is nominated for the 2024-2025 Premier League Young Player of the Year award."

Huijsen is reportedly a top target for incoming manager Xabi Alonso, as the club aim to reshape their backline. They are also poised to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer after the right-back confirmed he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires this summer.

Bournemouth face Manchester City and Leicester before the Premier League season concludes. Huijsen will say goodbye against the Foxes and then prepare for his new life with the Spanish giants.