New Real Madrid signing Dean Huijsen reveals original Premier League plan and lifts lid on who his idol is after £50m transfer

The centre-back joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer, and less than a year on, he is a Madrid player. The 20-year-old admits it has been something of a whirlwind 12 months, while revealing which of Los Blancos legends Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos he aspires to be like.

He told AS: "I may be [the happiest man in the world], really, although my father is probably even happier. My plan was to spend two years at Bournemouth, grow, and then figure out what to do next. But things have moved very quickly, faster than I expected."

Huijsen added: “I try and aspire to be like Sergio Ramos, he’s my idol.”

Huijsen joined Bournemouth in 2024 for an initial £12.8 million ($17m) and now he is at the biggest club in the world following a £50m ($67.6m) move. The Spaniard has enjoyed a superb season at the Cherries, and now he will have to prove himself again, this time at Madrid.

Huijsen, who signed a five-year deal with the Spanish giants last month, could make his Madrid debut when Xabi Alonso's side prepare for this summer's Club World Cup campaign in the United States.