Real Madrid sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth after activating £50m release clause

Bournemouth have confirmed that Spanish defender Dean Huijsen will join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

The young centre back has been a standout performer for the Cherries this season, helping propel Andoni Iraola’s side towards the European places and earning his first international call-up in the process.

As a result, Europe’s giants and several Premier League clubs have been tracking the former Juventus star but Los Blancos have won the race for the 20-year-old.

In a statement from the club, Bournemouth said: “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.

We can confirm that Dean Huijsen will join @RealMadrid at the end of the season, after the club activated his release clause.

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) May 17, 2025

The 20-year-old also earned his first caps for the Spanish national team in March, following a string of impressive performances for the Cherries.

Everyone at AFC Bournemouth is looking forward to working with Dean for the remaining two games of the Premier League season, before he embarks on the next step of his career.”

Huijsen is believed to be a big target for Xabi Alonso, who is set to take over at Madrid when Carlo Ancelotti departs in the next few weeks.

He may partner one of Eder Militao or Antonio Rudiger next season, and will add some much needed depth to an injury-ridden defence in the Spanish capital.

Madrid’s statement read: “Real Madrid CF and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who remains tied to our club for the next five seasons, from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.