Real Madrid has officially secured the signing of 20-year-old centre-back Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth, marking a significant addition to their defensive lineup. The club announced the signing on Saturday, as the defender becomes their first acquisition of the season.
The acquisition of Huijsen is viewed as a strategic move by Real Madrid to reinforce their defensive line for the upcoming decade. Huijsen is expected to be available for Real Madrid's campaign in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which commences on June 15, 2025.

The Dutch-born Spanish international will join the club on June 1, 2025, on a five-year contract running until June 30, 2030.
The transfer was finalized after Real Madrid activated Huijsen's £50 million (€59.5 million) release clause, a fee that will be paid in three installments by the end of 2026. Despite receiving more lucrative offers from Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal, Huijsen prioritized joining Real Madrid, accepting a notable reduction in salary to fulfil his aspiration of playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Huijsen's contract with Real Madrid includes an initial gross annual salary of €9 million, potentially rising to €11 million by the final year, contingent on performance-based bonuses.
During his tenure at Bournemouth, Huijsen made 34 appearances in the Premier League, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His impressive performances earned him a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award for the 2024-2025 season.
Huijsen's international career has also been noteworthy. Originally representing the Netherlands at youth levels, he acquired Spanish citizenship in February 2024 and made his senior debut for Spain in March 2025 during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against the Netherlands.