Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, May 17: Just hours after Real Madrid confirmed the £50 million signing of promising defender Dean Huijsen, head coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the critical need for defensive reinforcements following a season marred by injuries.
Madrid activated the release clause set by AFC Bournemouth to secure the 20-year-old centre-back on a five-year deal. The club was keen to finalize the move quickly, aiming to integrate Huijsen ahead of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
“He’s a fantastic player with a bright future,” Ancelotti said during a press conference. “All signings at Real Madrid come with excitement, because this club is always striving to stay at the top. Last season, we were confident with the return of Alaba, Militão, and Carvajal, but injuries changed everything.”
Huijsen arrives after a breakout season with Bournemouth, where he was pivotal in their record Premier League points haul under manager Andoni Iraola. The Dutch defender made 30 league appearances, scoring against top-tier clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham. His standout performances earned him a nomination for the 2024–25 Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
During the same media interaction, Ancelotti congratulated FC Barcelona for clinching the La Liga title after their midweek win over Espanyol. “They played beautiful football and deserved it,” Ancelotti said. “Next season will be a new battle—with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético all in the mix.”
As his tenure at Real Madrid nears its conclusion—with the Italian set to take charge of the Brazil national team post-season—Ancelotti reflected on his final stretch with the Spanish giants.
“I’m enjoying these last weeks in a different way. Of course, we wanted to fight for the league until the final matchday, but now it’s about embracing the moment and preparing for the next chapter,” he said.
With Huijsen joining a squad that’s expected to be bolstered further in the summer, Madrid is already building for a new era—one that may begin without Ancelotti but with continued ambition at the core.