Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a deal in principle on payment terms with Bournemouth as they prepare to trigger defender Dean Huijsen’s £50million release clause.
Los Blancos are said to have earlier sent a formal contract offer to the player’s camp as they look to expedite a deal, though an agreement is yet to be reached. Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are understood to remain interested and could hijack a deal if Real Madrid fail to settle on contract terms.
Huijsen’s preference would reportedly be to move to the Spanish capital, though, rather than joining another Premier League side.
The Spaniard joined the Cherries from Juventus last summer and has impressed in his debut campaign, keeping seven clean sheets in 30 Premier League appearances as Bournemouth look to finish in European positions.
He fast became a fixture of Andoni Iraola’s side and has courted transfer interest from a wide variety of clubs, with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal previously thought to have been leading the race. His performances have also earned him a call-up to the Spain national team, making his senior debut in March.
To sign for Los Blancos would mark Huijsen’s first return to Spanish football since he left Segunda Division side Malaga CF’s academy in 2021.
He has given little away publicly as to his preferred destination. After Bournemouth beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates earlier this month, he said he was happy with life on the south coast.
Asked whether he felt any pressure as a result of the transfer speculation, the 20-year-old said: “I think I am pretty relaxed. I am just a chill guy.
“I don't really think about it too much. I go to training every morning, we have a great group, great staff, and I just enjoy my football and myself.
“At the moment, I am just having fun playing football, and it's going well, so I am really happy.”
