Real Madrid Sign Dean Huijsen for 2025/26 Season

Real Madrid have signed Spanish defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. The 20-year-old will stay with the club until June 2030.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The European champions have completed a deal with Bournemouth for Dean Huijsen. He will join the team from June 2025 on a contract until June 2030. The Spain international arrives after a strong season in the Premier League where he played 30 matches. He was nominated for the 2024-25 Premier League Young Player of the Year award. Real Madrid reportedly paid around £50 million by activating his release clause. Huijsen’s career has quickly progressed, as he played in Serie A for Juventus and Roma before joining Bournemouth last summer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Real Madrid are making changes as they seek to strengthen their squad for next season. The team is aiming for back-to-back La Liga titles and another European crown. They also have the Club World Cup to prepare for. Huijsen’s arrival gives Ancelotti more defensive options, replacing players like David Alaba and Eder Militao who are entering the final stages of their careers. Ancelotti regards Huijsen as one of the best young defenders in Europe. Bournemouth finished 10th in the Premier League, but Huijsen’s performances earned him plaudits. His quick adaptation to top-flight football has made him one of the most promising defenders in Europe.

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID & HUIJSEN?

Huijsen will join his new teammates for pre-season and could make his Real Madrid debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United. Real Madrid hope to start the campaign with a European trophy. The fixtures for the Club World Cup which take place in Japan will be confirmed shortly. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are already confirmed for the tournament. It all starts with their La Liga opener against FC Barcelona on August 10. Their rivals have already strengthened by signing Robin Le Normand and may add Lautaro Martinez.