Huijsen says he’s “here to help the team win titles”; defender assigned the No 24 shirt
Real Madrid’s newest signing Dean Huijsen brushed off the weight of his £50 million price tag with the same composure he shows on the pitch, declaring himself ready to prove why Los Blancos made him the most expensive defender in their storied history.
The 20-year-old Dutch-born Spaniard was officially unveiled at the club’s Valdebebas training base on Tuesday, just weeks after Madrid triggered his release clause from Bournemouth. But if the fee raised eyebrows, Huijsen himself seemed utterly unfazed.
“I don’t care about the price,” Huijsen said with a shrug when questioned about the record-breaking sum. “I’m here to live my dream. I am me, I do what I love, and I’m quite calm about everything.”
That calmness has defined his rapid rise from Malaga’s youth setup, across Europe and now to one of the biggest clubs in the world. Huijsen said he had initially planned to stay at Bournemouth for another season but his development accelerated dramatically, culminating in a senior Spain debut in March, a decision that saw him booed by Dutch fans in Amsterdam given his heritage.
But for Huijsen, there was only ever one destination once Madrid witnessed his development and came calling. “From the first day they contacted me, I didn’t look at any other clubs,” he said. “For me, Real Madrid is the best in the world. There is no other option.”
Huijsen’s footballing roots trace back to Malaga, where his family moved when he was five. Yet his idol was always Sergio Ramos, the former Madrid captain whose iconic 93rd-minute header in the 2014 Champions League final left a lasting impression on a then nine-year-old Huijsen.
“He’s the best centre-back in history, the most complete,” said Huijsen, revealing Ramos had sent him a congratulatory message after his transfer to Real Madrid was finalised. “I wouldn’t single out one trait; it’s everything he brought.”
Now, under new manager Xabi Alonso, Huijsen sees a perfect tactical fit. “We’ve spoken about what he expects from me, and I think these will be nice years. Bringing the ball out is something I have, as well as defending.
“I’m here to help the team win titles. That’s the demand here, and I want it too.”
Assigned the No 24 shirt, Huijsen joins a Madrid side in transition but with sky-high expectations. Still, the youngster’s self-assurance suggests he is ready for the spotlight.
“Pressure? You’ve seen me play. I don’t overthink it,” said Huijsen. “I’m here to work, to compete, and to enjoy every moment.”
