Published: 2025-02-14 00:00:00

Dean Huijsen arrived at Real Madrid as the most expensive centre-back in the club’s history, but his first season at the Bernabeu never fully matched the promise of his £50 million ($68m; €58m) move from Bournemouth in May 2025. Now, after an injury-hit campaign and a summer reset, the 21-year-old is positioned to become one of the defining breakout players of the new season.

A difficult first year

Huijsen made an encouraging start at the Club World Cup, and his comfort in possession initially appeared well suited to Xabi Alonso’s approach. But a 5-2 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid in September exposed his inexperience, while injuries to Eder Militao and Huijsen himself complicated his development.

Huijsen suffered three thigh injuries in quick succession by the winter break. Those close to him attributed the problems partly to the demands of an intense year packed with matches. He subsequently lost his place in the starting XI and saw his confidence dip, with misplaced passes and defensive lapses becoming more frequent.

The upheaval at Madrid made the situation harder. Alonso was dismissed in January and replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa as the club’s season descended into uncertainty. After a 4-2 defeat by Benfica, Huijsen was among the players booed during the following home match against Rayo Vallecano.

“It is the demands of the Bernabeu,” Huijsen said. “In a way, that is a good thing because it reflects what Madridistas expect. They believe in me and know I can give more.”

Signs of recovery, but a World Cup setback

Huijsen responded positively later in the season, helping Real Madrid keep Erling Haaland quiet in a 5-1 aggregate Champions League victory over Manchester City. Yet he did not play in the quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich, when Madrid were eliminated.

That omission proved significant beyond the club. After switching international allegiance from the Netherlands to Spain, Huijsen had initially impressed Luis de la Fuente. However, repeated injuries and Madrid’s difficult campaign damaged his position in the national-team picture, and Spain selected Atletico defender Marc Pubill instead.

Huijsen’s absence from the World Cup ultimately gave him time to recover. He completed an individual training programme in Marbella, the southern Spanish town where he grew up, and returned for pre-season in much better physical condition.

Mourinho offers a fresh opportunity

Jose Mourinho’s appointment could provide the decisive boost. Mourinho played an important role in Huijsen’s loan move to Roma in January 2024, a spell that helped propel the defender towards the Premier League. The coach has also shown faith in him during pre-season, while members of Mourinho’s staff have been encouraged by Huijsen’s performances.

Huijsen scored a fine headed goal from a corner in the final friendly against Schalke. He also started alongside new signing Ibrahima Konate in the first half, producing encouraging early signs in what could become Madrid’s preferred centre-back pairing.

Antonio Rudiger has extended his contract by another year, but Huijsen is expected to begin the campaign alongside Konate. His qualities on the ball and his ceiling have never been in serious doubt; concentration and consistency remain the areas where he must improve.

With the pressure of his record transfer behind him, a full summer of preparation completed and Mourinho’s confidence secured, Huijsen has the conditions to finally establish himself at Real Madrid.