After recent reports claimed Liverpool and Arsenal were leading the race for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid have stepped up their own interest and according to several sources, reached an agreement over the payment structure for the £50million release clause with the Cherries.

The representatives of the 20-year-old centre-back are currently in the Spanish capital, seeking to iron out the final details of a five-year contract.

Real were always considered to be Huijsen’s priority, though the Spanish giants obviously took a bit of time to take concrete steps towards the transfer. Now that they’ve done so, they’ve obviously jumped ahead of the competition and are expected to close the deal soon, as they prepare for a new era under the command of Xabi Alonso.

The reconstruction of Real’s back line seems fully underway, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to be confirmed on a free transfer from Liverpool any day. Los Blancos are reportedly also interested in Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, as well as Arsenal’s William Saliba.

🚨⚪️ Understand Dean Huijsen’s camp has landed in Madrid to close the deal with Real.

Length of the contract being discussed with 5 year deal on the table.

Deal done club to club for £50m clause to be paid in 3 installments, player’s contract being sorted. pic.twitter.com/LAkaWPCAu8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2025