​Dean Huijsen enters the new season with plenty to prove after a disappointing first year at Real Madrid. The 21-year-old center-back, who progressed through Malaga’s academy before stints with Juventus, Roma, and Bournemouth, began his Madrid career on a promising note. His performances during the FIFA Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso stood out as some of the team’s brightest moments, but his form faded as the season wore on. By season’s end, Huijsen was barely holding onto a starting berth for Los Blancos and had fallen out of Spain boss Luis de la Fuente’s plans, losing what had once seemed a secure place in the national team’s World Cup squad.
The 2026-27 campaign represents an opportunity for Huijsen to rediscover his best form. According to Mundo Deportivo, his main objective is to reestablish himself at Real Madrid and earn a return to the Spanish national team through consistent, high-quality performances. Huijsen’s omission from the Spain squad for the World Cup highlighted the uphill task ahead, but the defender remains determined to reverse that decision with a sustained run of strong showings.
Few managers understand Huijsen’s talents better than Jose Mourinho, and the Portuguese coach’s arrival in Madrid is viewed as a promising development for the defender. The two previously collaborated at Roma, where Mourinho personally advocated signing Huijsen from Juventus. The veteran coach publicly praised Huijsen at the time, saying he believed the youngster possessed all the qualities required to become one of the world’s best center-backs. Now, their paths cross again, offering Huijsen a renewed chance to capitalize on a favorable coaching relationship.
Real Madrid’s faith in Huijsen remains steadfast despite last season’s struggles. The club paid a club-record €58 million to sign him from AFC Bournemouth, underscoring the high expectations placed on the defender and making him the most expensive backline addition in Madrid’s history. Mourinho’s return to the helm brings renewed hope that Huijsen can recapture the form that convinced Madrid to invest so heavily in his potential. The challenge, however, is formidable.
Breaking back into Real Madrid’s starting lineup will not be easy. Huijsen will have to contend with Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and new arrival Ibrahima Konate, plus the club could pursue another center-back addition. How Mourinho organizes the defense over the season will significantly influence Huijsen’s opportunities and his role within the squad. His path to regular minutes will depend on how effectively he adapts to the tactical system, his consistency in performances, and his ability to outperform rivals for a starting spot.
One advantage Huijsen can leverage is timing. With many of Real Madrid’s international players still away following their summer commitments, he is set to return to training from the outset of pre-season next Monday. That head start provides a crucial window to impress Mourinho early, rebuild confidence, and solidify his standing within the squad. A strong start could pave the way for a meaningful season, both for his standing at Real Madrid and for his prospects with the Spanish national team.
As Huijsen begins this new chapter, the expectations are clear: recapture the form, demonstrate leadership at the heart of Madrid’s defense, and reestablish himself as a centerpiece in the national team plans. The combination of a fresh coaching influence, a favorable timing for a swift return to training, and the desire to vindicate Madrid’s substantial investment all contribute to shaping a season that could define Huijsen’s trajectory for years to come.