MADRID, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid signed Spain international defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth Saturday after activating his 50 million pounds (about $66.4 million) release clause.

The club confirmed the signing of the 20-year-old on a five-year deal via its official website Saturday afternoon.

"Real Madrid C. F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of Dean Huijsen, who will be linked to our club for the next five seasons, from 1 June 2025 to 30 June 2030," the communique reads.

The signing allows Huijsen to represent Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States in mid-June. Madrid is set to debut against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal on June 18.

Several clubs had shown interest in Huijsen after his impressive debut season in the Premier League and his appearance for Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against the Netherlands in March.

Huijsen is understood to have favored a return to Spain, where he was raised after being born in the Netherlands. Bournemouth also preferred selling him to a club outside the Premier League to avoid facing him again.

The transfer marks a significant profit for Bournemouth, which bought Huijsen from Juventus a year ago for 12.6 million pounds. Juventus is entitled to a percentage of the profit from the sale.

Real Madrid is expected to make further signings ahead of the Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso is likely to take over as first-team coach, and the club is currently negotiating with Liverpool in hopes of securing the early arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold for the tournament, rather than waiting for his contract to expire on June 30. ■