Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, May 15: Real Madrid have reached an agreement in principle to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen for £50 million ($60 million) and are also closing in on Álvaro Carreras from Benfica, aiming to complete both transfers before the upcoming Club World Cup, sources told reporters.
The Spanish giants accelerated their move for Huijsen following their recent loss to Barcelona, quickly securing the 20-year-old’s approval despite competition from Premier League clubs. According to insiders, the deal is now awaiting final clearance from legal teams, with Huijsen expected to sign a five-year contract.
Madrid will pay Huijsen's full release clause. Although they attempted to lower the cost by offering players in exchange, Bournemouth rejected the proposal. ESPN previously reported in March that Huijsen was a top defensive target for Madrid. The club had previously shown interest in the player during his youth career at Malaga, but he instead opted to join Juventus, where he later had a loan stint at Roma before moving to Bournemouth.
Despite having spent less than a year with the Premier League side, Huijsen’s rapid rise, including a call-up to the Spanish national team, has made him one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.
Alongside Huijsen, Madrid are working to finalize the signing of former Manchester United full-back Álvaro Carreras, currently with Benfica. The transfer is expected to be worth around €60 million ($67 million). The 22-year-old, who developed through Real Madrid’s youth system, is highly rated by future Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who has endorsed his arrival.
Carreras is expected to sign a six-year contract, and the club is optimistic about completing the deal in time for him to join the squad for the Club World Cup. Madrid are also aiming to land Trent Alexander-Arnold before the tournament, with plans to strengthen multiple areas of the squad ahead of a demanding season.
If all goes as planned, Madrid could head into the Club World Cup with a refreshed backline featuring Huijsen, Carreras, and potentially Alexander-Arnold, under the leadership of incoming boss Xabi Alonso.