Real Madrid ‘Keen’ to Sign £50m Bournemouth Star This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid? Xabi Alonso Eyes Bournemouth Star in Blockbuster Summer Move

Dean Huijsen’s transformation over the past twelve months has been nothing short of remarkable. When AFC Bournemouth secured his signature from Juventus for a reported £13 million last summer, few expected the towering Spanish centre-back to make quite the impact he has in the Premier League. But after a breakout season under Andoni Iraola, Huijsen’s stock has soared—and so has the interest from Europe’s elite.

As first reported by talkSPORT, Real Madrid are now among the clubs tracking Huijsen. The report suggests that new incoming manager Xabi Alonso is targeting the 20-year-old as part of an ambitious rebuild at the Bernabéu.

“Madrid are keen on welcoming the 20-year-old to the Bernabeu but could face competition from Premier League sides.”

The news is yet another indication that Bournemouth’s talent development—and recruitment strategy—continues to bear fruit. But it also presents a worrying scenario for fans of the south coast club, who may soon have to watch one of their best assets head for Europe’s top table.

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Interest Mounting Across Europe

Bournemouth’s success in unearthing Huijsen has not gone unnoticed. According to talkSPORT, Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Liverpool have all expressed an interest, with Chelsea reportedly “stepping up their interest” recently. Despite the array of options, it’s suggested that if Huijsen remains in England, his preference is to join Liverpool—perhaps influenced by their similar playing style and rich history with Spanish-speaking players.

Still, Madrid could be his most alluring option. A potential £50 million move would place Huijsen among the most expensive defenders in Madrid’s history, and he’d follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé—two recent galáctico signings symbolising the club’s new era of youth-driven excellence.

Madrid are also set to unveil Trent Alexander-Arnold as another major signing this summer, and talkSPORT reports that Huijsen could soon be lining up alongside the England international in what could be the most dynamic full-back and centre-back pairing in Europe.

“Alexander-Arnold could play alongside Huijsen in the Madrid defence.”

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Xabi Alonso’s Vision for Madrid’s Future

Xabi Alonso’s decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen, having led them to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal triumph, signals his readiness to step into one of football’s most pressure-laden roles. In his departing statement, Alonso said:

“This club, who showed exceptional trust in me, very much deserved to win the German league title for the first time. My thanks and admiration go to everybody who helped to make this triumph happen…”

Now set to take over from Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso’s early moves in the transfer market suggest a desire to refresh the Madrid squad with emerging leaders—and Huijsen fits the mould perfectly. A commanding, modern defender with excellent ball control and positional intelligence, he could serve as the long-term successor to veterans like David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger.

Bournemouth’s Dilemma and Summer Strategy

For Bournemouth, this development is both a blessing and a curse. Huijsen’s rise has been integral to their stability and progress in the Premier League. But with a £50 million release clause hanging over the player, the Cherries may soon face an unavoidable decision. Cashing in would offer significant funds for squad reinvestment, but replacing a player of Huijsen’s calibre is no easy task.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Bournemouth’s hierarchy. Whether they negotiate a longer stay, line up a suitable replacement, or reinvest proactively, the club will need to act decisively. Either way, Huijsen’s trajectory suggests he will soon be on a much bigger stage.

“Should a move to England not come to fruition, then Huijsen could be set for Madrid during a huge summer for the Spanish giants.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Bournemouth supporter’s perspective, this report sparks equal parts pride and concern.

On the one hand, it’s incredibly exciting to see a Bournemouth player being linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool. It validates the club’s recruitment and development strategy—and for Huijsen, it’s a dream scenario. Signed for £13 million and potentially sold for nearly four times that within a year? That’s remarkable business.

However, fans can’t help but feel a bit anxious. Losing Huijsen would be a blow, especially given his defensive leadership, calmness under pressure, and chemistry with Marcos Senesi. His physical presence and technical prowess have allowed Bournemouth to build confidently from the back, a major reason they’ve punched above their weight this season.

If the club is resigned to selling, supporters will expect that the funds are wisely reinvested—not only to find a new centre-back, but to strengthen other areas too. A proper scouting plan and continuity in tactics will be key to avoid regression.

Still, watching one of your own potentially lining up at the Bernabéu alongside Mbappé, Bellingham, and Trent is something few fans ever dream of. If Huijsen does go, he’ll leave with Cherries fans’ full backing—and maybe even a few new Bournemouth shirts in Madrid.