Dean Huijsen set to join Real Madrid after club agrees on £50m release clause
Real Madrid are set to complete the signing of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen after agreeing to pay the 20-year-old’s £50 million release clause.
The Spain international, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12.6m less than a year ago, is close to agreeing personal terms with the La Liga giants.
According to veteran English journalist David Ornstein, the deal is advancing quickly, with full agreement expected within days.
🚨 Real Madrid activate £50m release clause in Dean Huijsen contract + working to finalise signing of Bournemouth centre-back. Talks over personal terms advanced & reps in Madrid to close transfer. W/ @Dan_Sheldon_ @GuillermoRai_ @TheAthleticFC #RMFC #AFCB https://t.co/coBOAZ55Pc
Madrid will pay the release clause in three instalments, with former clubs Juventus and Malaga due to receive 10% and 5% of the fee respectively.
Huijsen had drawn interest from several Premier League clubs — including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle — but has opted to return to Spain, where he spent much of his youth career playing for Costa Unida CF and Malaga.
Madrid are pushing to finalise the deal ahead of next month’s inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The move is seen as a key part of the club’s summer rebuild under incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who has identified Huijsen as a long-term central defensive solution.
The Netherlands-born defender has been a standout performer for Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, making 34 appearances and scoring three goals in his debut Premier League season.
He became a fixture in the team after an early-season injury to Marcos Senesi and has since made his Spain senior debut.
Huijsen’s towering header against Tottenham in December was a breakthrough moment, showcasing his aerial strength and composure. His performances have earned admiration across Europe and prompted Madrid to move swiftly.
Once the transfer is finalised, Bournemouth stand to quadruple their investment, with the deal potentially rising beyond £50 million depending on add-ons.
Huijsen will become Real Madrid’s second Premier League signing of the summer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold also expected to arrive from Liverpool in the coming weeks.
Madrid’s investment in youth continues as they reshape the squad under Alonso, with Huijsen’s arrival signalling a new era in defence at the Bernabéu.