Real Madrid signed Spanish defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth on Saturday, activating his £50 million (\$59 million) release clause. The 20-year-old centre-back caught attention with an impressive debut season in the Premier League, having joined the Cherries from Juventus in 2024 for £12.8 million. “Real Madrid and Bournemouth have reached a deal for the transfer of player Dean Huijsen, who will be at our club for the next five seasons, from June 1 2025, until June 30, 2030,” said Los Blancos in a statement reported by AFP. Bournemouth confirmed Madrid had “activated a £50 million release clause”, with reports suggesting Huijsen’s former sides, Juventus and Malaga, will also profit from the deal. Madrid moved quickly to sign the defender amid interest from several Premier League clubs for the Spain international. Huijsen will be available for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup in the United States this summer, with their opening match set for June 18 against Al-Hilal in Miami. Born in the Netherlands, Huijsen moved to Spain at the age of five and developed his skills at Malaga’s youth academy. The defender made his international debut for Spain in March, playing against his birth country and helping La Roja beat the Netherlands to secure a spot in the Nations League final four. Real Madrid has faced defensive challenges this season, suffering 14 defeats across all competitions and ending the campaign without a major trophy. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave the club to take charge of the Brazil national team, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso widely expected to succeed him in what promises to be a transformative summer in Madrid. Huijsen is also expected to be joined at the Santiago Bernabeu by England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to arrive after his contract with Liverpool expires.