Real Madrid Outbids Five Top Clubs in Fierce Battle for Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen became a highly sought-after target throughout the summer transfer period following an impressive campaign with Bournemouth. Real Madrid ultimately secured his services, though his representative has now disclosed the prominent European clubs that Los Blancos outmaneuvered in the transfer race.
Ali Barat, representing Huijsen, disclosed that six teams pursued the defender during the transfer window: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Newcastle United.
In an interview with AS, Barat stated: "Once Real Madrid expressed interest, the choice became straightforward: numerous clubs were involved, but Madrid left no room for hesitation."
The transfer developed rapidly, as Barat explained, following two appearances with Spain's national squad. Juni Calafat, Real Madrid's head scout, initiated discussions with Barat and negotiations advanced smoothly from that point.
Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League champions, were also characterized as a "genuine possibility" by Barat during discussions with RMC Sport in 2024. However, the representative explained that Huijsen believed he would receive greater match opportunities in the Premier League under Andoni Iraola compared to working with Luis Enrique in France. Discussions reportedly occurred with Borussia Dortmund as well, though the Cherries ultimately prevailed in securing his signature before his eventual transfer to Madrid.
In a different scenario, Huijsen might have joined forces with Enrique and potentially already earned a Champions League title.
Huijsen committed to a five-year agreement with Los Blancos after they triggered his £50 million ($66.4 million) buyout clause. This transaction established a Real Madrid transfer milestone—their most expensive defensive acquisition in club history—and represented the inaugural signing of the Xabi Alonso tenure.
The 20-year-old immediately entered Alonso's starting lineup at the FIFA Club World Cup. Huijsen featured in all group stage fixtures plus knockout rounds against Juventus and Dortmund in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively, although a late dismissal against the German side resulted in his semifinal suspension. PSG subsequently overcame Real Madrid to knock them out of the competition.
Since then, Huijsen has participated in every Real Madrid match to begin the 2025–26 campaign. However, this streak will be interrupted on Sept. 20 as he serves a La Liga suspension following his red card against Real Sociedad.