Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has confirmed the existence of a release clause in his contract while not ruling out a potential future move to Real Madrid.
Sources told ESPN that the 19-year-old Spanish center-back has emerged as a target for Madrid following his impressive debut Premier League season, where he has scored two goals in 25 league appearances since joining Bournemouth last summer.
Huijsen signed a six-year deal with Bournemouth for an initial £12.8 million ($16.4m) from Juventus but indicated his contract includes an exit path. \"I have a contract until 2030, [but] I do have a [release] clause,\" Huijsen told El Chiringuito TV. While he did not reveal the figure, reports suggest it is set at approximately £50m.
When asked specifically about Madrid, Huijsen expressed admiration for the club. \"I don\'t know, we\'ll see. It\'s a big team. Every player wants to play in the maximum [level] possible,\" he said.
The defender, who made his Spain debut last month, revealed his childhood admiration for former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and praised current Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, saying: \"I think he is a very good coach. He\'s not at Madrid for nothing. He has his merit.\"
\"Not at all. It means that I\'m doing things right,\" Huijsen said when asked if transfer speculation bothers him. \"I don\'t read anything. I keep working and remain humble. I\'m focused on Bournemouth. We have seven games left and they are important. I\'m only thinking about that.\"
Madrid are reportedly looking to strengthen their defensive line next season, with defenders Éder Militão and David Alaba having struggled with ACL injuries this campaign.