Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has completed a £50m move to Real Madrid.
Real have agreed a deal for Huijsen to leave his Bournemouth contract early at the end of the Premier League season to play at the Club World Cup, after moving quickly amid widespread interest in the player.
Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal were among those keen on the 20-year-old, who has impressed during a breakthrough campaign.
But Huijsen’s priority was always a move to the Bernabeu, returning to Spain where he grew up playing for Malaga’s youth team.
Huijsen wanted the agreement done as quickly as possible so he could focus on playing a role in helping Andoni Iraola’s side try and reach Europe for the first time.
Bournemouth said: “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.”
The Spain international, who joined from Juventus last summer for just £12.6m, has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three times. Juventus are due 10 per cent of Huijsen’s fee.
Analysis: The numbers that make Huijsen perfect for Real Madrid
There is no doubt Dean Huijsen is the breakout start of this Premier League season. The numbers the young defender has produced make him ideal not just for Real Madrid, but for any top side in general.
The Spain international’s reading of the game is what makes him stand out. His ability to spot an interception opportunity and execute the move is a key part of his game.
But his ability to do this consistently is what puts him among the best centre-backs in the division.
His defensive timing is also epitomised by the quality of clearances he has made. Again, it is one of the best records in the division and right alongside William Saliba’s numbers in this department.
No wonder Arsenal were one of the clubs tempted to activate that £50m release clause.
But Huijsen is also very capable on the ball, with his ability to pull off a long pass crucial in Bournemouth’s vertical style of play.
It has helped get Andoni Iraola’s side up the pitch and dominating games. A reminder that if xG decided matches this season, Bournemouth would be in sixth in the Premier League right now.
And Huijsen pulling all this off after starting the season aged just 19 is more than impressive. He has benefited from being around elite dressing rooms such as Juventus and Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Real Madrid are not just be getting a high-performing player in the present, but for the next 10 years too.
How Huijsen earned high-profile suitors
Analysis from Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam:
“It was a transfer that went under the radar in the summer of 2024. But less than 12 months later, £12m has turned into £50m.
“At the back end of July, before the window had even got going, Bournemouth signed a young 19-year-old defender from Juventus. That man was Dean Huijsen.
“One appearance for ‘The Old Lady’ and 13 for Roma in 2023/24 didn’t exactly say he was the next best thing, but now he really is.
“Bournemouth clearly saw something that others didn’t. They had belief, a plan, and their recent recruitment suggests they can spot the special sauce. And Huijsen is oozing quality.
“From Real Madrid to Liverpool, Newcastle to Barcelona, the queue to get him went round the block and back again.”
Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season
Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from next season
From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
