Tag: Star

Real Madrid have pulled off a major transfer coup by securing the signing of AFC Bournemouth’s breakout star Dean Huijsen, beating strong interest from Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. The 20-year-old defender, who joined Bournemouth from Juventus for £12 million just last summer, has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants. The deal, reportedly worth £50 million, will see Huijsen join Los Blancos following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. Sky Sports confirmed on Saturday morning that the contract was formally signed overnight, with Huijsen set to be available for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Bournemouth later confirmed the news, revealing that Real Madrid activated the centre-back’s release clause. “AFC Bournemouth can confirm that defender Dean Huijsen will join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season,” a club statement read. “The Spanish side have activated a £50 million release clause.” Huijsen has been instrumental in Bournemouth’s record-breaking Premier League campaign under manager Andoni Iraola, making 30 top-flight appearances and scoring crucial goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Arsenal. His standout performances also earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team in March. The highly rated youngster’s calm and composed style has drawn praise from pundits and former players alike. Speaking after Bournemouth’s victory at Arsenal—where Huijsen scored and was named Player of the Match—Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said:“Everybody looks up to this young man. He’s so cool, so composed. For a 20-year-old to be playing at this level and doing what he is— that’s why he’s coveted by pretty much everybody in Europe.” Despite heavy interest from Arsenal, whose technical director Andrea Berta has been active in the market pursuing midfield targets like Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres, the Gunners have lost out to Real Madrid in the race for Huijsen. The defender, speaking to Sky Sports amid the speculation, kept a level head:“I think I’m pretty relaxed. I’m just a chill guy. I don’t really think about it too much. I enjoy my football and enjoy myself. At the moment I’m just having fun playing football and it’s going well, so I’m really happy.” Huijsen will complete the final two games of the season with Bournemouth before making his high-profile switch to the Santiago Bernabéu, marking a remarkable rise for the young Spaniard and a major windfall for the Cherries.