Real Madrid star’s agent reveals how summer transfer materialised – ‘When they called, he hardly thought twice’ | OneFootball

When Real Madrid decided to invest heavily in Dean Huijsen last summer, the move naturally sparked debate. 

Spending close to €60 million on a young defender who had only completed one season in the Premier League was never going to pass without scrutiny, especially at a club where expectations are unforgiving and patience is limited.

Before his rise in England, Huijsen’s path had not been straightforward. At Juventus, first-team opportunities were limited, and his subsequent spell at AS Roma also failed to provide consistent minutes. 

Those struggles reinforced the idea that Real Madrid were taking a calculated risk rather than signing a proven product.

Although Huijsen’s lone season at Bournemouth earned widespread praise for his composure, physical presence, and ability to play out from the back, many still questioned whether such a short sample size justified the price. 

For Madrid, however, the decision was clearly about the long-term picture rather than immediate perfection.

Explaining the transfer

Since arriving in Spain, Huijsen’s performances have reflected exactly that logic. 

There have been ups and downs, moments of authority mixed with spells of adaptation. 

Real Madrid paid a lot for Dean Huijsen. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

That inconsistency is hardly surprising for a young defender adjusting to the demands of Real Madrid, where every mistake is magnified. 

Yet within the club, the view remains positive. Huijsen is still seen as a defender for the future, someone whose ceiling matters more than short-term fluctuations.

Insight into how the move came together was recently offered by Huijsen’s agent, Ali Barat, during a conversation with Fabrizio Romano (h/t AS). 

“Huijsen’s signing for Madrid was very straightforward,” he began. 

“We visited all the training centres of the teams that wanted him with his family, but when Madrid called, he hardly thought twice. 

“Xabi wanted to talk to him and after that call, Huijsen made it clear that he wanted to sign for the Whites.”

The personal involvement of Xabi Alonso played a crucial role, offering Huijsen clarity about his role, his development, and the trust being placed in him. 

For a young player weighing multiple options, that direct connection proved to be be the decisive factor.