Dean Huijsen transfer: Real Madrid favourites to sign Bournemouth defender as £50m talks continue
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is edging closer to joining Real Madrid; Real Madrid made the first to make contact for the Spain international and have agreed a £50m deal for the player, whose priority is said to be a move to the Bernabeu
Friday 16 May 2025 09:01, UK
An agreement on all aspects of a deal to take Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid is close.
Real have agreed to meet the £50m release clause and will pay the fee in three instalments over 18 months.
Representatives of Huijsen - led by agent Ali Barat - remain in Madrid working on finalising an agreement on personal terms.
One source has told Sky Sports News there is growing optimism that an agreement can be reached by the weekend.
If that does not happen, it is understood that Huijsen's representatives are prepared to reconsider offers from Premier League clubs. Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all interested, while Barcelona and Tottenham have also been suitors.
Huijsen wants his future sorted before Tuesday, when Bournemouth play Manchester City. The 20-year-old is eager to play in Bournemouth's final two games of the season so he can try to help Andoni Iraola's side reach Europe, which would be the first time in their history.
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Huijsen wanted to show respect to the club that gave him his chance in the Premier League and to his teammates, who he has forged close bonds with since arriving last summer.
After a day of negotiations on Wednesday, the two clubs agreed a deal allowing the defender to leave his Bournemouth contract early, which will now free him to play in the Club World Cup for Real Madrid.
Juventus are due 10 per cent of any profits made after selling the defender to Bournemouth last summer.
It is thought that as many as five Premier League sides had held talks with his agents, as well as clubs from LaLiga and the Bundesliga, over a potential package to sign him this summer.
Sky Sports News has previously reported that Huijsen's priority would be the Bernabeu Stadium.
Huijsen's representatives have a very good relationship with Chelsea, who have other centre-back targets, including Crystal Palace captain - and Blues academy graduate - Marc Guehi, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Ajax's Jorrel Hato.
Sky Sports News reported at the start of this month that Chelsea were seriously considering making an offer to Ajax for Hato.
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.
But like most players when talking about their future, he wouldn't be drawn on these links.
Huijsen, sat down on the fresh grass at the club's new performance centre and seemingly in a relaxed mood, said: "I'm very calm. I don't really focus on it, now is not the time. I'm just focused on finishing the season well.
"My dad is my agent, he fixes everything, I don't read anything, I don't think about it too much, I'm just focusing on my football and working hard."
Huijsen was also coy on the rumoured release clause. "I'm just focused on making history at this club," he says with a smile - and I believe him.
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 would 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 would not just be getting a high-performing player in the present, but for the next 10 years too.
Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season
From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
