Real Madrid closes in on deal for Premier League wonderkid

Huijsen, 20, has enjoyed a standout debut campaign in the Premier League, emerging as one of Europe’s most promising young centre-backs. 

Standing at 6-foot-5, the Dutch-born Spanish international has impressed with his aerial dominance, ball-playing composure and tactical awareness.

In 30 league appearances for Bournemouth this season, Huijsen scored three goals and helped the club to one of the division’s best defensive records. The Cherries conceded just 43 goals, the third-best in the Premier League behind Liverpool (37) and Arsenal (33).

His rapid rise has also been recognized on the international stage. Having represented both the Netherlands and Spain at the youth level, Huijsen made his senior debut for La Roja earlier this year under Luis de la Fuente, further highlighting his development and potential.

That potential is surely what convinced Real Madrid to act decisively. With key defenders Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba now in their 30s, the club likely sees Huijsen as a long-term successor and part of a new defensive core.

The signing would be keeping with Madrid’s broader strategy of securing elite young talent before they reach their peak. In recent years, the club has invested heavily in rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick and Arda Guler, and Huijsen would be the latest to join that list.

Huijsen spent six formative years at Malaga between 2015 and 2021 before moving to Juventus.

He is expected to undergo a medical in Madrid in the coming days and could be part of the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this June. For Real Madrid, the anticipated signing represents not just a defensive reinforcement but a strategic investment in the club’s future.