Real Madrid close in on Bournemouth defender after agreeing on £50m release clause

In a big transfer coup before the next Club World Cup in the United States, Real Madrid has put the 20-year-old centre-back Dean Huijsen on the priority list for defensive reinforcements. The centre-back, who was born in the Netherlands but plays for Spain internationally, is in advanced negotiations with the La Liga giants after turning down several Premier League approaches. Real Madrid are close to finalizing the signing of Spain international Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, following the decision to activate the young defender's £50 million release clause. Dean Huijsen had not been at Bournemouth for longer than last summer, having signed for £12.6 million from Juventus, but his outstanding maiden season in England—during which he appeared 34 times and netted three goals—has placed him in the limelight of Europe's top clubs. The Bournemouth center-back was courted by Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United but headed back to Spain, where he is from. Dean Huijsen will seal his move to Real Madrid in the coming days, several sources close to the negotiations have said. The £50 million transfer fee will be paid in three stages; Juventus and Málaga are to receive 10% and 5%, respectively, due to add-ons included in his previous transfers. The skilled defender spent half his early career at Málaga and Costa Unida CF before moving to Juventus, and he is returning to Spain driven by a love of his footballing roots. The intervention of Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso—who is all but certain to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid this summer—has been instrumental in the club's pursuit of Huijsen. Alonso, according to reports, identified the promising defender as a long-term target and future stalwart of Real's defense. A move that would be Real Madrid's second Premier League signing of the current window, following reports that Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will also join the Spanish giants. Also Read: Real Madrid consider Dean Huijsen for centre back role amid Premier League interestHuijsen's timing of arrival is crucial for Real Madrid, who want to reinforce their backline ahead of their trip to the US for the revamped Club World Cup competition. Carlo Ancelotti will be passing the buck to Xabi Alonso, so the capture reaffirms a youth- and future-oriented focus for the side.