Who is Dean Huijsen? Real Madrid's bold bet on a 20-year-old defender
Real Madrid have signed 20-year-old Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for $63 million (?525 crore), betting on his rapid rise and Premier League success. The Spanish centre-back is expected to play a key role under incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid have signed 20-year-old Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for $63 million (?525 crore), betting on his rapid rise and Premier League success. The Spanish centre-back is expected to play a key role under incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid have made one of the most interesting moves of the summer by triggering Dean Huijsen¡¯s €58 million release clause from Bournemouth. The 15-time UEFA Champions League title holders have paid around $63 million (?525 crore) to secure the Spaniard.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who struggled for game time just seven months ago, will now wear the white shirt of the most successful club in European football. His rise has been nothing short of dramatic, from sitting on the bench at Bournemouth to becoming one of the Premier League¡¯s best young defenders and making his senior Spain debut, all in one season.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Huijsen is not just about height or strength. His reading of the game, calmness in possession, and maturity far beyond his age have turned heads across Europe. Now, Real Madrid are betting on him to lead their defence for the next decade, with Xabi Alonso reportedly keen on making him central to his plans.
From bench-warmer to Premier League star
When Bournemouth signed Huijsen from Juventus for ?15 million last summer, he wasn¡¯t expected to be a starter right away. He made his debut against Nottingham Forest but later dropped out of the XI until an injury to Marcos Senesi gave him another chance. He never looked back. In 30 league games, he impressed with his decision-making, clearances, and long passes. He even scored goals against top teams like Manchester United, Tottenham, and Arsenal.
Statistically, he ranked near the top in multiple defensive categories among Premier League centre-backs. His performances earned praise from pundits and a first call-up to Spain¡¯s national team, confirming his rapid development.
Why Real Madrid made their move
Real Madrid had followed Huijsen since he was 16, even before he chose Juventus over them. Despite offers from several English clubs and Bayern Munich, the youngster was swayed by Madrid¡¯s long-term project and the promise of a key role in Alonso¡¯s setup. The deal, worth $63 million (?525 crore), starts on June 1, 2025, allowing Huijsen to join the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
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¡ª Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) May 17, 2025
It¡¯s a bold move for a player who only has one full top-flight season under his belt, but Madrid believe his ceiling is sky-high. After all, they don¡¯t often spend big on defenders unless they see something special.