Huijsen Wins Bournemouth Player Award Before Joining Madrid

Dean Huijsen was named Bournemouth’s Player of the Season. This comes after a great first year in the Premier League. He is set to join Real Madrid next week.

OUTSTANDING YEAR

The 20-year-old defender joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer for about £12.5 million. His play was excellent throughout the 2024-25 season. He helped Bournemouth reach their highest-ever points total in the Premier League. His club honored him with their top individual award. He was also nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Year.

MOVE TO MADRID

Real Madrid confirmed Huijsen‘s signing on May 17. They activated his £50 million release clause to get him. The Dutch-born Spain international signed a five-year contract. He will stay at the Santiago Bernabéu until June 2030. He will travel to Madrid next week for his presentation. That is after Bournemouth’s final Premier League match.

Huijsen will join the Real Madrid squad traveling to the U.S. for the FIFA Club World Cup. His contract will officially start on June 1. Bournemouth will make a big profit, over £37 million, from the player they signed less than a year ago.

IREOLA PRAISES HUIJSEN

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised Huijsen’s professionalism. This is even with his upcoming departure. “It’s tough to lose a player of that quality but when Real Madrid comes calling, it’s hard to say no,” Iraola said. He also praised Huijsen for staying committed and maintaining his performance after his transfer was confirmed. Huijsen continued training and playing instead of avoiding injury risk.

WHAT’S NEXT?

After his presentation in Madrid, Huijsen will join a Real Madrid team in need of defensive rebuilding. They had no trophies in the 2024-25 season due to defense injuries. His ball skills and reading of the game make him one of Europe’s top young defenders. He attracted interest from Liverpool and Arsenal before Madrid signed him.

Huijsen’s international career also took off this season. He earned his first caps for Spain in the Nations League playoffs in March. He came on as a sub against the Netherlands and started the second leg. This shows his rapid development from Juventus prospect to international defender and now Real Madrid signing.