From Marbella to Madrid: The Costa del Sol’s original guiri signs for Real in €60m deal

From Marbella to Madrid: The Costa del Sol’s original guiri signs for Real in €60m deal

DEAN Huijsen, a Dutch-born Spanish international who spent his childhood on the Costa del Sol, will join Real Madrid this summer after the Spanish giants activated a €60 million release clause.

The 20-year old defender is moving from Premier League club AFC Bournemouth following an impressive season that culminated with a nomination for Young Player of the Year award.

Huijsen’s new team will be formed after Bournemouth plays its final two matches of the season against Manchester City or Leicester City. 

Los Blancos released a statement saying: “Real Madrid CF has reached an agreement with AFC Bournemouth for the transfer Dean Huijsen. He will remain a member of our club for five seasons from 1 June 2020 to 30 June 2030.”

Huijsen can now play at the Club World Cup, which is being re-vamped this summer. Real’s debut game after the Carlo Ancelotti era will be against Al-Hilal, a Saudi team in Miami on 18th June.

Huijsen is the son of Mascha Wijsmuller, a former Jong Ajax athlete and Donny Huijsen. He was born in Amsterdam on April 5, 2005.

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Dean Huijsen, left, has made a big impact for English club AFC Bournemouth. Credit: CordonPress

Huijsen moved with his family to Marbella in the Costa del Sol at age five. He joined an expanding Dutch expat community.

Huijsen was a Malaga youth player before joining Juventus in Italy at the age of sixteen. He had a spell on loan at Roma under the tutelage of legendary boss Jose Mourinho before joining Bournemouth last summer for a €20 million fee.

The 6ft5in centre-half made 30 appearances this season for the Cherries, scoring three vital goals. This has reaffirmed his status as one of Europe’s top prospects.

Known as the ‘chill guy’ by many supporters, Huijsen’s impressive run of form led to an international call-up by Spain in March earlier this year, even though the youngster had represented his native Netherlands at various youth levels.

Huijsen was playing his first game as a La Roja player in a quarter-final match against the Netherlands. Huijsen, a classy defender, was subjected to abuse from his home crowd who viewed it as a betrayal.

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Huijsen, (left), made his debut against his native country of the Netherlands in March. Credit: CordonPress

“At the beginning, I did not have a Spanish Passport, but I decided to apply for one when I was given the chance. Spain is where I call home. Spain is my home. Huijsen, who chose to represent Spain, said: “My childhood friends were Spanish.”

He continued: “Being selected was the highlight of my career. Playing for Spain, no matter against whom, makes me feel really proud.” It is an honor to play with the best players in Spain.

Huijsen fluently speaks English, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian. 

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About Liam Bradford

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Liam Bradford, a seasoned news editor with over 20 years of experience, currently based in Spain, is known for his editorial expertise, commitment to journalistic integrity, and advocating for press freedom.

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