Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen ahead of the summer transfer window after the La Liga giants triggered the defender’s £50million release clause.
The centre-back has been one of the Premier League breakout stars in the Premier League this term after joining the Cherries from Juventus last summer. He had been linked with a move to London with Arsenal and Chelsea linked with the defender.
Reports over his £50m release clause became apparent earlier this year with clubs queuing up to land him. However, Huijsen will now leave the Premier League to join Madrid.
On Saturday morning, Bournemouth confirmed that Huijsen will join Madrid at the end of the season after his release clause was activated. A club statement read: “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.
“The centre-back, who joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer, has been instrumental in the club’s record-breaking campaign, which has seen Andoni Iraola’s side already break their highest points tally in the Premier League.
“Huijsen has made 30 appearances in the top flight this season, scoring goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal.”
A Real Madrid statement read: “Real Madrid C. F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of Dean Huijsen, who will be linked to our club for the next five seasons, from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2030.
“At his 20 years of age, Dean Huijsen is already a Spain international and has played in Italy’s Serie A with Juventus and Roma, and in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
“Dean Huijsen has been nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Year 2024-2025.”
The transfer leaves Arsenal and Chelsea back to square one in their hunt for a new defender this summer. Mikel Arteta’s men aren’t as desperate for new blood in defence but the Blues have been linked with a host of central defenders in the past six months.
