After confirming their runners-up spot in LaLiga in Carlo Ancelotti's farewell, Real Madrid have definitively begun preparations for the arrival of Xabi Alonso, with work due to start even before the start of the new European season, with the FIFA Club World Cup taking place in June.
Real Madrid have confirmed that they will be signing Dean Huijsen, a young talent of just 20 years of age who became one of the Premier League's biggest stars wearing the Bournemouth shirt. In all, he made 34 appearances, scoring three goals and helping out the Cherries' defensive system.
In order to secure one of the most sought-after players in European soccer today, Real Madrid decided to pay a fine of 59.3 million euros for a contract valid for five seasons. In other words, they are thinking about the long-term future of a generation that could become even more successful in the coming seasons.
It's also worth remembering that the LaLiga runners-up have had considerable problems in defense due to the absence of Eder Militao, Alaba and Carvajal for much of the season. As well as securing a great option at the back, Real will also have an excellent young talent from Málaga's youth ranks.
How can young Dean Huijsen help Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid?
The Spanish defender has been responsible for much of Bournemouth's defensive protection this season and will certainly be one of the defensive pillars of Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid. At the age of 20, the young prodigy's main characteristic is his excellent vision to get ahead of his markers and intercept passes, correctly reading the opposition's forwards and midfielders.
Another outstanding feature is his blocking and especially his aerial duels, where he excels offensively to leave teammates in good attacking situations. Hujisen should also help a lot with long balls, a situation in which Barcelona excelled during 2024/25.