Real Madrid wants to sign a 19-year-old defensive sensation as their long-term center-back, according to Dean Huijsen.
Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old center-back, has risen to prominence in the 2024–2025 season and is fast becoming as one of the most promising young players in European football.
The tall Bournemouth defender is already on Real Madrid’s shortlist of top transfer targets, and the team is keeping a careful eye on his availability and progress, according to a thorough report from Spanish publication Marca.
The Real Madrid Eye Dean Huijsen: Technically gifted, youthful, and powerful
According to Marca, Huijsen is highly regarded by the Madrid management, who see him as both a long-term replacement for the team’s aging center backs and a defensive force.
The 1.97-meter-tall Dutch prodigy has already established himself as a vital member of Bournemouth’s backline and has adjusted to the physical demands of the Premier League with ease.
Huijsen has played in 23 Premier League games in the 2024–25 season, scoring two goals and averaging 5.5 clearances and 2.1 aerial duels won per game.
These numbers show a high level of consistency and maturity for a teenager. His poise on the ball is even more remarkable. Huijsen is two-footed, self-assured, and able to launch attacks from a distance. He embodies every attribute of a contemporary center-back.
Huijsen, who was born to Dutch parents in Amsterdam, relocated to Andalusia, Spain, when he was five years old.
He chose to represent Spain internationally after obtaining Spanish nationality in February 2023 after growing up surrounded by Spanish culture and football ideology.
Huijsen received his first senior call-up for Spain during the most recent international break. He made his debut against the Netherlands in the quarterfinal of the UEFA Nations League, starting the second leg after coming off the bench in the first, playing the entire 120 minutes.
His market value has only increased due to his growing international recognition, which has also drawn greater interest from Europe’s top teams.
Due to Real Madrid’s center-back situation, Huijsen is a top target
Given the weakness of their existing center-back corps, it is hardly unexpected that Madrid is interested in Huijsen:
At 33, David Alaba is no longer as nimble or explosive due to a catastrophic injury. In just 15 months, Éder Militão suffered two ACL tears, which raises questions about his long-term fitness.
Although he is still the clear starter, Antonio Rüdiger’s future is in doubt because to the high offers he is receiving from Saudi clubs.
Real Madrid urgently needs to bolster their backline with a young, physically strong, and tactically adaptable defender because they have few trustworthy options. Huijsen meets all of these requirements.
The €60 million price tag is a significant investment, but it might be a steal
Marca claims that in the summer of 2024, Bournemouth paid €15 million to Juventus to acquire Huijsen. Less than a year later, his worth had quadrupled to €60 million.
There are other clubs interested than Madrid. Numerous additional European behemoths have entered the competition:
Virgil van Dijk’s long-term replacement is wanted by Liverpool; Tottenham wants to strengthen their defense with a dominant presence;
Bayern Munich wants to add youth and adaptability to their defense;and Xabi Alonso wants ball-playing defenders like Huijsen at Bay Leverkusen. Real Madrid might be ahead despite the escalating competition.
Huijsen’s “Real Dream” Provides Madrid with a Significant Edge
Huijsen has always wanted to play for Real Madrid, according to people close to the player. He has always been a fan of Los Blancos and modeled his style of play after the likes of Raphaël Varane and Sergio Ramos.
Huijsen and his representatives have reportedly stated that joining Madrid is their main priority now that the Spanish powerhouses are genuinely interested.
In transfer talks, this emotional bond might be the deciding factor.
Huijsen as a Foundation for Madrid’s Next Generation: Creating the Future
If Madrid closes the acquisition, Huijsen would be a key component of the team’s long-term defensive strategies:
Future collaborations with Rüdiger or Militão might be possible, contingent on team development. He can play in both back-three and back-four systems due to his versatility.
Huijsen would be a perfect fit for Madrid’s youth-focused recruitment strategy, which also includes Bellingham, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni.
He might eventually become a leader in Madrid’s next generation in addition to being a dependable center back.
Huijsen is an investment in the future rather than just a signing
In addition to covering a defensive need, Real Madrid’s acquisition of Dean Huijsen would be a calculated move to ensure the team’s defensive stability for the ensuing ten years.
Huijsen, who is young, eager, technically skilled, and emotionally committed to the club’s history, might be one of the most astute and significant acquisitions of the 2025 summer transfer window.
All eyes will be on Madrid to defeat their competitors and bring this young star to the Santiago Bernabéu as the transfer drama develops.
