Dean Huijsen is Real Madrid bound a year after being signed as Bournemouth's back-up for Marcos Senesi Dean Huijsen's£50m move to Real Madridcaps off a remarkable rise for a defender who was struggling to get in the Bournemouth team seven months earlier. The 20-year-old Spain centre-back became one of the Premier League's most consistent centre-backs, after replacing the injured Marcos Senesi in December. The Cherries almost quadrupled their money, having paid a maximum of £15m to sign him from Juventus last summer. BBC Sport looks at the 6ft 5in defender's rapid ascent. Huijsen ranks highly in many different categories for Premier League defenders to play at least 1,000 minutes this season, per 90 minutes. Second for clearances Third for interceptions Fourth for headed clearances Fourth for successful long passes Sixth for centre-backs playing passes ending in the final third 11th for forward passes 15th for fewest goals conceded 16th for aerial duels On top of that, in his 30 Premier League appearances, he has scored three important goals - a winner against Tottenham, opener against Manchester United and equaliser against Arsenal - all in wins. Jordan Clark, BBC Radio Solent's Bournemouth commentator, has been hugely impressed by the youngster. "He looks like he's a second ahead of the strikers," he says. "He reads the game so well. He's a brilliant ball player, playing it out from the back, and he's defensively strong, physically solid. "It's tough to see any downsides to his game. He does the basic things well. If a player is under pressure you see modern-day defenders take risks and play it out from the back. "But he'll assess the situation quickly and if he feels the pass isn't on, he'll just put the ball out of play. It's like an old-school defender; no risks, if in doubt put it out." Huijsen actually began the season in the starting XI before dropping to the bench for a few months before Senesi's injury. "He played the first game at Forest and I remember saying on commentary it was the first time we'd seen him properly, a 19-year-old, but he looked like he'd been playing in the Premier League for years. "He had something about him physically, he dealt brilliantly with Chris Wood but the ball playing as well was impressive. He stood out that day. But then he had to wait for his opportunity." The CIES Football Observatory recently put Huijsen second in the world of 2024-25 signings whose values have risen, saying the Cherries could have made a £57.7m profit had he not had a release clause. The only player above him was new Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe, who joined them on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain last year and is now worth, according to them, £153.6m. Where Dean Huijsen touches the ball - with 28% in the opposition half His form this season saw him make his senior Spain debut. Born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain, he had represented both nations at youth level. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said they had been monitoring him for years and he "isn't some new discovery". "There are many players - and this is the best news for Spanish football - who today are still unknown to the general public and even some in the media, but not to us inside the federation," he said. "I see him - if nothing gets in the way - as capable of playing for any team. I don't see any limits. Huijsen is having a great season in the Premier League and is ready. I'm sure he'll keep improving with time, naturally." Dean Huijsen (pictured here playing for the Netherlands U17s in 2022) was born in Amsterdam but moved to Spain as a child Juventus will be kicking themselves as they were the ones who wanted Huijsen to leave last summer. The 20-year-old joined Juve from Malaga's academy in 2021 - with Huijsen turning down the chance to join Real instead that summer. He only played one senior game for Juve, spending the second half of last season on loan at Roma. Huijsen told Gazzetta he wanted to play for Juventus this season but was told the club needed to sell him for financial reasons and forced him out. Not their wisest decision, especially since they went on to sign Newcastle's former Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly for £20m in January. In April, Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis told BBC Radio Solent: "Juventus might be scratching their heads at that now [how the English club got him for so cheap]. "We found a fortunate time to take him out of there. [Bournemouth president of football operations] Tiago Pinto had worked closely with him before [at Roma] and gave us reassurance. "The idea was for him to come in as back-up and learn but through injury there was the opportunity for him to come into the team and he's been there ever since." BBC commentator Clark added: "We'd never heard of him. I don't think there was much in terms of expecations. He looked like a player who was being signed for the future, one they'd hopefully develop and would come good eventually. It became clear quickly he was more than that." Huijsen was wanted by most of Europe's top clubs - including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Bayern Munich. BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella says Real told the player they would continue watching his career when he turned them down for Juve aged 16. "He will sign on a five-year deal with a salary of 9m euros (£7.6m) gross but expected to rise to 11m (£9.3) by the end of his contract," said Kinsella. "Madrid found it challenging convincing his father and agents to go for Madrid with Juni Calafat and Jose Angel Sanchez handling negotiations. They believe they were offering less than some clubs in England for his signature. "The sporting project convinced Huijsen as Real told him they will build their defence around him for the next decade and believe he fits Xabi Alonso's system of playing out from the back. "Madrid wanted him regardless but Alonso spoke to him and approved the deal." Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real boss before the Fifa Club World Cup. Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to move to Madrid on a free transfer in a defensive reshuffle.
Unknown to Real Madrid's £50m man - the rise of Huijsen
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Dean Huijsen Completes £50 Million Move to Real Madrid Following Impressive Premier League Rise"
Bbc News
6.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Dean Huijsen, a 20-year-old center-back, has made headlines with his recent transfer to Real Madrid for £50 million, marking a significant turnaround in his career after a challenging start at Bournemouth. Initially signed as a backup to Marcos Senesi, Huijsen struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup until an injury to Senesi in December allowed him to showcase his talents. Over the past seven months, Huijsen has emerged as one of the Premier League's most reliable defenders, earning accolades for his performance metrics, including second in clearances and fourth in interceptions among defenders who played over 1,000 minutes this season. His contributions on the field are underscored by scoring three crucial goals in wins against Tottenham, Manchester United, and Arsenal, demonstrating his ability to impact games offensively as well as defensively. His rapid ascent has caught the attention of both fans and pundits alike, with commentators praising his game intelligence and physical presence on the pitch.
Huijsen's journey to Real Madrid is particularly noteworthy considering his previous tenure with Juventus, where he played only one senior match. After moving from Malaga's academy to Juventus in 2021, he faced a forced exit due to the club's financial constraints. Bournemouth capitalized on this opportunity, signing him for a mere £15 million, a figure that has now significantly increased with his impressive performances. His ability to read the game and make timely decisions has drawn comparisons to traditional defenders, earning him respect from coaches and fans. Spain's national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, has been monitoring Huijsen's progress and sees him as a future asset for the national team. Real Madrid's commitment to building their defense around Huijsen, as endorsed by incoming manager Xabi Alonso, indicates that they view him as a cornerstone for their future endeavors. This transfer not only highlights Huijsen's rapid rise but also raises questions about Juventus's decision to let him go, as they now watch him flourish in one of the world's most prestigious football clubs.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an overview of Dean Huijsen's remarkable journey from being a backup player at Bournemouth to signing with Real Madrid for a significant fee. This narrative not only highlights Huijsen's achievements but also reflects broader themes in sports, particularly in football, where young talents can quickly rise to prominence.
Purpose Behind the Article
The piece aims to celebrate Huijsen's growth and success, portraying him as a young talent who has made a significant impact in the Premier League. By detailing his statistics and the praise he has received, the article seeks to generate excitement about his potential at Real Madrid, suggesting that he is a valuable addition to the team.
Public Perception
Readers may come away with a sense of optimism and admiration for Huijsen's abilities. The narrative is crafted to foster a positive image of the player and, by extension, Bournemouth's scouting and development capabilities. The intention seems to be to strengthen the perception of both the player and the club in the eyes of fans and analysts.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on Huijsen's strengths and achievements, it does not address any weaknesses or challenges he may face at Real Madrid. This selective coverage could lead to an overly favorable view of the player, potentially glossing over the complexities of transitioning to a top-tier club.
Manipulative Elements
The article could be seen as somewhat manipulative, primarily by emphasizing Huijsen’s rapid rise and impressive statistics while minimizing any potential shortcomings or the challenges players face when joining prestigious clubs. The language used is celebratory, which could influence public sentiment positively without presenting a balanced view.
Comparison with Other Reports
When compared to other sports news articles focusing on player transfers, this one stands out for its in-depth statistical analysis and the positive framing of Huijsen's career. Similar articles often discuss players' weaknesses or criticism from coaches, which is notably absent here, indicating a specific intent to craft a favorable narrative.
Impact on Community and Economy
This news can have implications for fans, particularly in terms of community pride associated with local talent succeeding on a global stage. Economically, successful player transfers can bolster a club's finances and enhance its reputation, which may contribute to increased merchandise sales and fan engagement.
Target Audience
The article likely targets football fans, especially those interested in player development and transfers. By highlighting Huijsen's achievements, it appeals to supporters of both Bournemouth and Real Madrid, as well as football enthusiasts who appreciate emerging talents in the sport.
Market Influence
In terms of stock or market implications, this news could positively affect Bournemouth's financial outlook, as successful player development is a valuable asset. Investors and stakeholders in football clubs often pay close attention to player performances and transfers, which could influence market sentiment regarding clubs involved.
Global Power Dynamics
The article does not directly address global power dynamics but reflects the increasing importance of player transfers in the global football market. Huijsen's move to Real Madrid signifies not just personal success but also the competitive nature of European football, which remains a focal point in global sports discussions today.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI technology played a role in drafting or editing this article, particularly in organizing statistics or generating player profiles. However, the human touch in crafting narratives around player stories and achievements is still crucial, suggesting a blend of AI assistance and traditional journalism.
Conclusion on Reliability
Overall, while the article presents a compelling and largely positive narrative about Huijsen, it may lack balance by not addressing any potential drawbacks or challenges. Its reliability could be questioned due to the absence of critical perspectives on the player’s transition to Real Madrid. The celebratory tone and selective emphasis on statistics create an impression that may not fully encompass the complexities of professional football.