New Real Madrid Signing Dean Huijsen Reveals Original Premier League Plan and Idol Inspiration After £50m Move
From Bournemouth to the Bernabéu: Dean Huijsen’s Unexpected Rise and the Ramos Role Model Behind It
Twelve months ago, Dean Huijsen was packing his bags for England. A promising but largely untested young centre-back, his move from Juventus to Bournemouth didn’t turn many heads outside of scouting circles. It was supposed to be a quiet stepping stone — two years of growth in the Premier League, a chance to learn the pace and power of English football before reassessing his next move.
Fast-forward to today, and the 20-year-old Spaniard is standing under the bright lights of the Santiago Bernabéu, officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player following a £50 million move that has surprised even the player himself.
“Honestly, I was planning to be at Bournemouth for two years,” Dean Huijsen admitted in a recent interview with AS. “But things moved very quickly. Faster than I expected.”
A Whirlwind Year: From Quiet Promise to Big-Stage Arrival
Manchester City FC v AFC Bournemouth – Premier League
There’s no denying it — Dean Huijsen’s journey over the last year has been nothing short of meteoric. After signing for Bournemouth in 2024 for a modest £12.8 million fee from Juventus, the Dutch-born, Spain-raised defender quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most composed young centre-backs.
Despite the Cherries’ limited profile in England’s top flight, Dean Huijsen stood out — not just for his calmness under pressure and intelligent reading of the game, but also for his leadership. At just 20, he was organizing defensive lines, winning duels with seasoned strikers, and even contributing to build-up play with a maturity well beyond his years.
It didn’t take long for bigger clubs to take notice.
Real Madrid’s Long-Term View: Signing with a Five-Year Vision
Real Madrid’s recruitment team had reportedly been tracking Dean Huijsen even before his move to Bournemouth. The deal was always going to be about timing — and Huijsen’s explosive development in the Premier League accelerated that clock.
Madrid moved decisively, wrapping up the deal for a reported £50 million in early May 2025. For Dean Huijsen, it was more than just a dream come true — it was the reward for a year of hard work, risk-taking, and quiet belief.
“It’s surreal, to be honest,” he said. “My father might even be happier than I am. We’ve worked hard for this moment.”
He’s signed a five-year contract with Los Blancos, a statement of confidence from the club and a clear message that this isn’t just a squad-filler purchase. Real Madrid see Dean Huijsen as part of their future, and potentially, their present.
The Ramos Factor: Idolizing Madrid’s Warrior
Every young centre-back growing up in Spain or watching La Liga over the past two decades has had one name drilled into their imagination: Sergio Ramos.
For Dean Huijsen, the admiration is deeper than just fandom. “I try and aspire to be like Sergio Ramos,” he said simply. “He’s my idol.”
It’s not hard to draw the parallels. Like Ramos, Dean Huijsen isn’t just a tackler — he’s a communicator. He’s vocal, intelligent, and brings a certain bite to his defending that clubs at the highest level crave. Of course, he’s still developing the flair and goal-scoring threat that Ramos often brought to set pieces, but the fundamentals are there.
Real Madrid will hope that Ramos’ legacy is not a burden but a blueprint for Dean Huijsen.
A Perfect Fit for Alonso’s Madrid?
The timing of this transfer couldn’t be more interesting. Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, is preparing to usher in a tactical shift at the club. With his preference for a four-man defense and tactical discipline, he’ll need centre-backs who are not only technically sound but also positionally aware and mentally sharp.
Huijsen ticks those boxes.
While Eder Militao, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba offer experience, Alonso will need depth, rotation options, and perhaps a long-term successor to one of those veterans. Dean Huijsen may not start every match in his debut season, but there’s a clear pathway for minutes — especially if he impresses during pre-season and the Club World Cup this summer.
Bournemouth: The Unexpected Launchpad
It’s easy to overlook Bournemouth’s role in this story, but the Premier League side deserve credit. They gave Dean Huijsen the platform to prove himself, and in turn, they’ve made a tidy profit on their investment.
More importantly, they’ve demonstrated that their development environment is capable of nurturing elite talent. Dean Huijsen’s time in England — though brief — helped toughen him, both physically and mentally.
Playing against the likes of Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Harry Kane prepares a defender in ways no training session can replicate.
What Comes Next: The Club World Cup and Early Tests
Huijsen could make his Real Madrid debut sooner than expected. With the Club World Cup set to take place in the United States this summer, Alonso will likely use the tournament to test tactical setups and player chemistry.
That could open the door for Dean Huijsen to get his first taste of the famous white shirt in a competitive match. And what a stage it would be — an international tournament, in front of American crowds hungry for global football spectacle.
For Dean Huijsen, it’s not about rushing his development. “I know there’s competition here,” he said. “But I’m ready to learn, to fight, and to earn my place.”
Final Thoughts: A Star in the Making — Or Already Made?
It’s rare to see a defender go from youth prospect to Real Madrid signing in under 18 months, especially with only one full Premier League season under his belt. But Dean Huijsen’s story is not typical.
He’s part of a new generation of centre-backs — tall, technical, tactically versatile, and emotionally grounded. If he can maintain his trajectory, there’s no reason he can’t become a mainstay in the Madrid backline for years to come.
More importantly, there’s a hunger in Dean Huijsen that can’t be taught. It’s the kind of hunger that makes you leave Juventus for Bournemouth just to get minutes. The kind that helps you punch above your weight in the Premier League. And the kind that lets you walk into Real Madrid, knowing you belong — even if the journey there moved “faster than expected.”
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