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Real Madrid Beat Rivals to $66m Huijsen Signing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Crispin Leyser | Last updated May 17, 2025 3:41 PM ET

Real Madrid have landed one of Europe's hottest young central defenders for $66m and Madrid legend Sergio Ramos voiced immediate approval.

Dean Huijsen, a 20-year sensation, who has been one of the stand out stars in Bournemouth's record-breaking season, reportedly chose Madrid over offers from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.

But when Real Madrid come knocking, it's hard to say "no". Just ask Trent Alexander-Arnold.

New Team: New Manager

Huijsen will join Alexander-Arnold in a revamped Madrid defense next season and under a new manager. Xabi Alonso is set to take charge with Carlo Ancelotti stepping into the hot seat at Brazil.

| INSIDER MARKET |

Real Madrid has already completed 3 signings!

✅ Xabi Alonso – new manager
✅ Alexander-Arnold – classy right-back with a long career
✅ Dean Huijsen – young center-back with great potential

⚠️ But key players are still missing:

A reliable… pic.twitter.com/ukKhHzHg0K
— Sito Fernández (@luisfernandeza9) May 17, 2025

Huijsen's hero is the former Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, who posted his approval of the transfer on Instagram, with the simple message “All the best my friend”, tagging the Cherries player.

Meanwhile Ancelotti also voiced his approval.

"Huijsen is a great player, young, with a lot of potential. I think the signing is very good for Real Madrid".

Madrid's season of failure

Plagued by injuries, the backline at Madrid has been one of many failings for the club in a season that has seen them miss out on La Liga, The Champions League and the Spanish Cup.

Doubtless it won't be the end of the summer spending for Madrid. Diary AS recently reported that a deal is very close to bring in Benfica's left back Alvaro Carreras.

Madrid have been tracking Huijsen for a while, even attempting to sign the Netherlands-born Spanish international when he was a youth player at Malaga. Now they've finally got their man.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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