Dean Huijsen to be officially presented by Real Madrid on May 29 at Valdebebas

Real Madrid are set to unveil their newest acquisition, Dean Huijsen, in an official presentation at Valdebebas on Thursday, May 29, marking the beginning of a new defensive era under Xabi Alonso’s reign as manager. This will be the club’s first major signing under Alonso, who took over following the legendary tenure of Carlo Ancelotti.

Huijsen’s arrival signals not just a reinforcement in the backline but also Real Madrid’s long-term vision to rejuvenate and modernize their defensive setup. At just 20 years old, Huijsen comes to Madrid with a reputation that’s been steadily building thanks to his standout performances in the Premier League.

The Dutch-born center-back enjoyed a stellar campaign with Bournemouth, appearing in 36 league matches, scoring three goals, and providing two assists. His blend of composure, technical skill, and aerial dominance made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.

Such was Huijsen’s impact at Bournemouth that he was voted Player of the Season by fans. His farewell from the Vitality Stadium was emotional, with supporters chanting his name in what many called a premature goodbye to a club legend in the making.

Real Madrid reportedly splashed out €60 million for his services, making him Bournemouth’s second most expensive sale ever, only behind striker Dominic Solanke. This fee reflects Madrid’s belief in his potential and signals their intent to shape a new-generation backline.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Spain, Huijsen is no stranger to La Liga culture. His multicultural background and footballing education have helped him develop into a versatile, intelligent player capable of adjusting to multiple defensive systems—a quality highly valued by Alonso.

One of Huijsen’s biggest inspirations is Sergio Ramos, a Real Madrid legend. In a recent interview, he openly declared, “Sergio Ramos, for me, was the best center-back in history.” That statement alone has endeared him to many Madridistas, who still hold Ramos in high regard and see Huijsen as a spiritual successor.

It’s not just his defensive prowess that excites Madrid fans. His ability to carry the ball forward, initiate attacks, and even contribute with goals adds another dimension to Madrid’s backline. At 6’4″, he also brings much-needed height and physicality to set-piece situations—both defensively and offensively.

Manager Xabi Alonso, who prioritizes ball-playing defenders in his tactical philosophy, sees Huijsen as a perfect fit for his system. Sources close to the club have indicated that Alonso personally endorsed the signing and looks forward to integrating the youngster into his plans.

Valdebebas, Real Madrid’s training complex, is expected to host a packed media event for the presentation. Fans will likely tune in via club channels, while journalists from across Spain and Europe will be watching Huijsen’s first words as a Real Madrid player.

This signing also has implications for Madrid’s current defensive lineup. With David Alaba recovering from injury, and questions surrounding the future of Nacho Fernandez, Huijsen could quickly find himself fighting for a starting role, especially alongside stalwarts like Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.

There is also talk that Huijsen could eventually be groomed into a leadership role, given his maturity, communication skills, and commanding presence on the pitch. His professionalism at such a young age has drawn comparisons to legends who led from the back.

Madrid fans have reacted with excitement to the news, with many pointing out that the club is once again staying ahead of the curve in identifying and securing elite young talent. The post-Sergio Ramos era hasn’t been easy to navigate, but Huijsen’s arrival gives supporters hope for defensive dominance once more.

It’s worth noting that Real Madrid’s acquisition of Huijsen also comes amid increasing competition from Europe’s biggest clubs. Juventus and Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing the player before Madrid finalized the deal, showcasing the club’s pulling power.

This transfer could also represent a broader shift in Real Madrid’s strategy—leaning heavily into youth, athleticism, and technical ability as they prepare for the next generation of dominance, especially with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler already part of that youthful core.

As the countdown to the official presentation begins, fans await with eager anticipation. Will Huijsen live up to the hype? Can he take the torch from Ramos and carve his own name into Madrid’s history books?

Regardless of what the future holds, May 29 will be a landmark day for both Huijsen and Real Madrid. A new chapter is beginning, and it’s one fans won’t want to miss.