Real Madrid Lead Race For Huijsen As Premier League Giants Circle

The competition for Bournemouth’s promising defender Dean Huijsen is intensifying. Real Madrid are in the lead, despite strong interest from top Premier League clubs. The 20-year-old Spain international is one of Europe’s most wanted defenders. Several clubs are ready to pay his £50 million release clause.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid have stepped up their chase for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen. The Spanish giants know the player dreams of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu. Incoming head coach Xabi Alonso‘s internal discussions have identified center-back as a key area needing improvement. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal are all ready to activate Huijsen’s £50 million release clause. They are trying to convince his representatives to choose their team instead.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Huijsen has had a strong season with Bournemouth after joining from Juventus in the summer of 2024. The 20-year-old has played 34 times for the Cherries, scored three goals, and assisted one. He has become one of the Premier League‘s top young defenders. His performances earned him his first caps for Spain, where he impressed and soon topped Real Madrid’s defensive shortlist alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba.

Real Madrid believe they can finalize a deal for Huijsen in the next two weeks, despite strong Premier League interest. The defender is reportedly ready to accept a lower salary to make the move to Madrid easier. The Spanish club plans to pay the £50 million (€60m) release clause in three installments.

MADRID’S DEFENSIVE OVERHAUL

Signing Huijsen is part of a plan to revamp Real Madrid’s defense before the Club World Cup. The Spanish giants are also seeking a new left-back and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold to improve their backline. This defensive strengthening has become essential since Madrid currently has only three fit defenders available, although some injured players are expected to return before the tournament starts.

Xabi Alonso, who will take over as Real Madrid’s head coach, has specifically requested a center-back signing, placing Huijsen at the top of his list. The club sees the 20-year-old as a more financially reasonable option than William Saliba, who is deemed too costly this summer.

WHAT NEXT FOR HUIJSEN?

With several clubs ready to trigger his release clause, Huijsen’s final decision will likely depend on his personal preference. The defender has reportedly hired a law firm to negotiate solely with Real Madrid, showing his strong wish to return to Spain. Bournemouth cannot stop his exit if the release clause is activated. They are already planning for life without their star defender.

Chelsea seem to be leading the Premier League charge, having already contacted Huijsen’s representatives. However, with the player prioritizing a move to the Bernabéu and Real Madrid pushing hard to secure his signature, the Spanish giants are the favorites to get the talented defender before the end of May.