Big changes are underway at Real Madrid. New head coach Xabi Alonso is set to take over at the end of the season and will have two key reinforcements at his disposal for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States (June 15 – July 14): Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.Following the signing of Liverpool’s right-back, Real Madrid finalized a deal for Bournemouth and Spain center-back. The Dutch-born defender, who represents Spain internationally, is expected to be a crucial addition to Xabi Alonso’s system, which is likely to feature a back three.Real Madrid has been searching for a central defender since last summer when their pursuit of French defender Leny Yoro fell through, as the player opted for a more lucrative offer from Manchester United. After long-term injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba, many expected Madrid to act during the winter transfer window. However, then-manager Carlo Ancelotti surprisingly promoted young Raul Asencio from the youth squad, temporarily solving the problem. But with Antonio Rudiger also sidelined late in the season, it became clear that reinforcements were urgently needed.Xabi Alonso already has a plan for Real Madrid – three superstars##NAJAVA_MECA_8925873##Among a list of potential targets – including William Saliba, Tomas Araujo, Jonathan Tah, and Mario Gila – Los Blancose chose Dean Huijsen, who has had a breakout season in the Premier League with Bournemouth. Born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain, Huijsen earned his first Spanish national team call-up last autumn and attracted interest from major clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea. However, Real Madrid’s late push secured the defender’s signature.The decisive factor was Huijsen himself, who reportedly turned down more lucrative offers from other clubs, expressing a firm desire to join Real Madrid. That gave the Spanish giants the green light to begin negotiations with Bournemouth. The deal did not involve much haggling over the price – Madrid will trigger Huijsen’s £50 million (€59.3 million) release clause. The main talks centered on payment terms, with Bournemouth agreeing to a three-installment plan over the next 18 months.It’s time for Cherry-picking, as Arsenal, Lpool, Man City, Chelsea and Madrid battle for two gemsTwo other clubs will also benefit financially from this transfer. Malaga, where Huijsen developed as a youth player, will receive around €1.8 million in solidarity payments. Juventus, who sold him to Bournemouth last summer for €15.2 million plus €3 million in bonuses, will earn roughly €6 million from a 10% sell-on clause based on Bournemouth’s profit.Xabi Alonso reportedly gave strong support for the transfer, describing Huijsen as an ideal fit for his tactical system. At just 20 years old, the defender is seen as a long-term investment who could anchor Real Madrid’s back line for the next decade.It’s official now – Trent is leaving LiverpoolThough there were early doubts about Huijsen’s physical attributes, his performances in the Premier League – particularly his composure, passing ability, game-reading, and aerial strength – have silenced critics and set him apart from other candidates.Huijsen was born in Amsterdam. His father, a former Ajax player, relocated to Spain – the homeland of Dean’s mother. Huijsen came through the Malaga academy, where he was already on Real Madrid’s radar. At 16, he even visited their academy with his father, but no deal was reached. Juventus ultimately signed him, and he progressed through their youth ranks before spending six months on loan at Roma last season. While Juventus made a tidy profit, the club may now regret letting him go so soon.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925883##Although paperwork has yet to be finalized, Huijsen is expected to officially join Real Madrid by early June and make his debut at the Club World Cup in the U.S. – just like fellow new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 36TuesdayValladolid – Girona 0-1 (0-0)/Stuani 80/Real Sociedad – Celta 0-1 (0-1)/Gonzales 44/Sevilla – Las Palmas 1-0 (0-0)/Garcia-Pascual 52/WednesdayAlaves – Valencia 1-0 (0-0)/Jordan 79 pen/Villarreal – Leganes 3-0 (3-0)/Perez 23, 31, Pepe 45/Real Madrid – Mallorca 2-1 (0-1)/Mbappe 68, Ramon 90+5 – Valjent 11/Thursday20:00: (3.60) Osasuna (3.35) Atl.Madrid (2.10)20:00: (3.00) Rayo Vallecano (3.35) Betis (2.55)22:30: (9.50) Espanyol (5.60) Barcelona (1.35)22:30: (3.60) Getafe (2.65) Ath.Bilbao (2.65)***odds are subject to change***
