Dean Huijsen has called Real Madrid the club of his life. The young defender was presented on Tuesday by Los Blancos, revealed he has already spoken with the new coach Xabi Alonso, and shared that he was congratulated on his move by a Real legend who also happens to be his idol.
Embed from Getty Images
Amsterdam-born Dean Huijsen has officially completed a transfer to Real Madrid, describing Tuesday as the best day of his life. At just 20 years old, the Dutch centre-back is living the dream of millions, as he steps into the legendary Santiago Bernabéu wearing the iconic white jersey of Los Blancos.
During his unveiling, the young defender couldn’t hide his emotion and enthusiasm. "Real Madrid is the club of my life," he declared with conviction. "I hope to stay here for many years. It's a dream to be here, and I will give everything for the team." His words reflected not only a deep personal connection with the club, but also the sheer magnitude of the moment for a player who just a few years ago was still fighting for a place in youth squads.
Huijsen's move comes after a standout season at Bournemouth in the Premier League, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. Despite Bournemouth's modest profile in the English top flight, Huijsen's maturity, composure on the ball, and physical dominance caught the eye of scouts across Europe. Real Madrid, ever alert to emerging talent, moved decisively to secure his services even if it meant breaking their own transfer record for a defender. The reported fee of nearly 60 million euros sets a new benchmark at the club for a defensive signing, underscoring just how highly he is rated by the Madrid hierarchy.
At the press conference, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez offered a glowing introduction. “We are delighted to welcome a player who has entered the football world with such strength and confidence,” he stated. “In one of the most prestigious competitions in world football, the Premier League, you have already proven yourself as one of the best centre-backs. You are an elegant and modern defender and we believe you will become a key figure in the future of this club.”
Newly appointed Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, himself a former fan favorite at the Bernabéu, has already spoken with Huijsen about the path ahead. “He told me what he expects from me,” Huijsen said simply, choosing not to elaborate further. Still, his comment hinted at a coach-player relationship that is already being built on clarity and trust. Alonso, known for his tactical intelligence as a player and coach, is expected to play a crucial role in Huijsen’s development helping the Dutchman refine his positioning and passing in a team that dominates possession and presses high.
Despite his young age, Huijsen carries himself with surprising composure. Questions about the pressure of his massive transfer fee the highest ever paid by Real Madrid for a defender were met with nonchalance. “I don’t really care. I don’t think about it,” he said calmly. “All I want to do is work hard, improve every day, and help the team. What happens outside the pitch, I leave it to others.”
Huijsen has long made it clear who his footballing idol is: Sergio Ramos. The Dutch defender has studied the former Real Madrid captain closely, admiring not only his athleticism and defensive skill, but also his leadership and mentality. “He is the best defender in history,” Huijsen reaffirmed. “There’s no one like him.” Upon confirmation of the transfer, Ramos reportedly sent the youngster a congratulatory message a gesture that clearly meant a lot to the new Madrid recruit.
Although born in Amsterdam, Huijsen spent much of his formative football years in Spain, which helped shape his playing style. Comfortable in possession, confident under pressure, and tactically aware, he fits the profile of a modern centre-back perfectly suited for Real Madrid's demanding style of play. His height standing at over 1.90 meters makes him a commanding presence in the air, both defensively and on set-pieces.
For Real Madrid, the acquisition of Huijsen is not just about the present, but also a significant investment in the future. With legends like Nacho and Carvajal nearing the twilight of their careers, and with Éder Militão returning from injury, the club is gradually reshaping its defensive core. Huijsen is expected to compete for minutes from day one, but also to grow into a long-term leader in the backline perhaps even following in Ramos’s footsteps in more ways than one.
As he posed for the cameras in the famous white kit, the Bernabéu echoing with applause, Huijsen looked every bit the part of a Real Madrid player. But for the young Dutchman, this is only the beginning. The dream is now reality and the journey to greatness starts here.
Updated: 03:07, 10 Jun 2025
