Real Madrid move ahead of Man Utd for €60m wonderkid

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 2 Mar 2025 08:19 GMT
• 4 min read

Real Madrid have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen this summer.

That is according to Fichajes, who report that Madrid have now made Huijsen a key target at the end of the season.

Huijsen has been one of the breakout stars of European football in 2024/25, and Man Utd had been ahead in the chase for the former Juventus youngster.

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However, Madrid have now become favourites to snap up the Spaniard in the summer.

Madrid are revolutionising an ageing backline, and already are expected to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer.

They also plan to sign at least one centre back, having been decimated by injuries in this area in recent years.

Huijsen would favour a move to Madrid not only do the differing fortunes of the two clubs but because he grew up in Spain.

What is Dean Huijsen's release clause?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Huijsen will be available at a very affordable price due to the presence of a minimum fee release clause in his Bournemouth contract.

Huijsen has a release clause worth €60 million (£50m) that will be valid from the 2025 summer transfer window.

The clause was inserted when Huijsen joined Bournemouth from Juventus last summer.

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It is believed that Juventus have a 10 per cent sell-on clause in Huijsen's deal.

The 19-year-old joined Bournemouth last summer from Juventus for just €15.2m plus €3m in add-ons.

Huijsen has been a revelation for Bournemouth this season.

It took the teenager a while to find his feet and embed himself in Andoni Iraola's well-drilled system, but the high-flying Premier League minnows are now reaping the rewards of their investment.

Huijsen has been nothing short of brilliant in recent weeks, even contributing with crucial goals from set pieces.

The centre-back was Bournemouth Player of the Month in December and was nominated for Premier League Player of the Month for January.

Huijsen career

Huijsen was born in the Netherlands but moved to Spain at the age of five and grew up there.

Despite playing for Netherlands’ youth national teams, he has since declared for Spain’s senior team, having played for the Spain Under-21s.

The giant 6ft 5in centre back is known for his brilliant ability on the ball with both feet, despite his massive size.

Huijsen came through the Malaga youth academy before joining Juventus as a 16-year-old.

He starred for the Juventus Next Gen team before making his debut for the senior Juve team in 2023-24.

Huijsen was signed by Jose Mourinho on loan in January 2024, spending the second half of that season at Roma.

He returned to Juventus in the summer of 2024 but was immediately sold to Bournemouth where he has really exploded.