Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid’s Most Expensive Defender: “I’ve Proven I’m Ready”

A year and a half ago, Dean Huijsen was playing in the Italian third division with Juventus’ youth team, and in January 2024, Mourinho’s Roma took him on loan for just 650,000 euros. After six months in Serie A, Bournemouth paid 20 million for him last summer, he made his debut with the Spanish national team in March, and this Tuesday he was presented as the most expensive defender in Real Madrid’s history (59 million). “I’ve shown that I’m ready. I’m happy to help the team in any way I can,” the 20-year-old said on Tuesday, with a demeanor that contrasted with the rapid rise of his career. During his debut as a new Madrid player, the center-back remained laconic, almost unyielding to every question thrown at him.

“I’m quite calm. It’s just me, I’m going to live my life. I try to be humble and work as much as I can,” the center-back clarified in the press room, emphasizing that his role model is Sergio Ramos. “He sent me a message when it was made official. He’s my biggest idol,” Huijsen revealed, citing Ramos’ header in the 2014 Champions League final as his first memory of Madrid.

The field has been the expression space for the Spanish international of Dutch origin. Between matchday 14 and the penultimate of the last Premier season, he played every minute with Andoni Iraola’s team. His ball distribution and containment skills caught the attention of Liverpool and Chelsea, but a phone call from the Bernabéu a few weeks ago, he said, changed everything. “Since Madrid called, I haven’t looked at other teams,” he stated during the presentation.

“I’ve spoken a little with Xabi Alonso about what he expects from me. I fit very well into his style of play. It’s going to be some nice years,” the young player added, always concise. “I don’t think about that, it doesn’t concern me much,” he responded when reminded that he had become the club’s most expensive defender. “I don’t think much about it, I’m quite calm,” he insisted when warned about the enormous pressure awaiting him at the Bernabéu.

The young Dean Huijsen appeared this Tuesday in Valdebebas unflappable. “This is the best day of my life, it’s a dream. Madrid is the club of my life, I believe,” he said.