Open Secret Confirmed: Real Madrid Makes a Move for a Premier League Star Player

One of Real Madrid's most urgent pending tasks for the 2025 summer market is the addition of a central defender. Expanding the options for the first team's defense is a requirement Ancelotti made more than six months ago: it was attempted with the "Yoro case."

However, that operation failed spectacularly; perhaps more for good than for bad, now Real Madrid still faces the open dilemma... although much more seriously due to the injuries of Alaba and Militão. So much so that Ancelotti has been forced to bring back Tchouaméni and give the green light to Asencio's "promotion" to the first team.

The directive from the Valdebebas offices is very clear: no additions will be made during the winter window of the current season. Carlo Ancelotti must endure with the resources he can gather during the 24/25 season to achieve all the titles aimed for during the current campaign. When this ends, the necessary transfers will be made.

It's not an easy process for them to face, since there are many options in the European soccer elite but a quite limited transfer budget. With little room for maneuver, debates about a key addition extend much longer than some high-ranking Meringue officials would like.

New leader of the list

The doubts regarding the names that have emerged to date, considering all the rumors, have left few realistic options for the sports management. Especially in the financial aspect: Madrid is not willing to spend more than 50 million euros on the addition of a center-back to its first team.

The demanding profile managed and demanded from the Valdebebas offices, however, might have an unexpected answer: Dean Huijsen. This 19-year-old Spanish center-back is a player for Bournemouth. The Premier League defender, under the technical direction of Andoni Iraola, has managed to stand out as one of the great promises of the English league, sparking interest from several clubs. 

Anticipating any transfer attempt, the cherries have set an exit price for Huijsen: 60 million euros. This amount, although ten million above the maximum budget, could fit the expectations of the executives led by Florentino Pérez. Because he is a player who would bring quality and longevity in equal parts.

Furthermore, he would do so immediately, unlike other options managed now and in the past. He is also a Spanish player, an "extra" that brings him closer to joining the white club. Because the Madrid leaders want to regain the ground lost in the Spanish national team lately, and Huijsen's arrival could be an excellent first step.