Real Madrid make major moves in transfer window as Liverpool rebuild begins

Real Madrid have kicked off the 2025 summer transfer window in dominant fashion, snapping up two major signings in a matter of weeks.

The Spanish giants have landed Bournemouth’s rising centre-back Dean Huijsen for €59.5 million and secured Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, reinforcing their squad with two highly-rated defenders.

The club, having suffered from defensive instability in recent seasons, appear determined to avoid similar issues under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Dean Huijsen’s rapid rise has been one of the biggest stories of the transfer season so far. After just one year in the Premier League with Bournemouth, the 19-year-old Dutch-born, Spanish international has made the leap to the Bernabeu.

Huijsen impressed during a brief stint at Roma and a standout campaign in England, where he became Bournemouth’s youngest Premier League goal-scorer. Real Madrid’s move has been praised as a smart piece of business, especially as the defender is already familiar with Spanish football, having spent his youth days in Malaga.

From Bournemouth’s perspective, the transfer brings mixed emotions. Though the club lost a key player, they secured a massive profit after buying Huijsen from Juventus for just £12.8 million the previous summer.

It’s another example of the club’s shrewd recruitment strategy, even if it means parting ways with talent earlier than hoped. Bournemouth’s model of developing and selling high-potential players continues to yield financial rewards.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have begun rebuilding immediately following the departure of Alexander-Arnold by securing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £30 million.

While Leverkusen fans may feel disappointed with the relatively low release clause, Liverpool have capitalized to acquire one of Europe’s most exciting attacking full-backs.

Frimpong’s 38 goal contributions over the past two seasons mark him as a player who could thrive in multiple roles under Arne Slot, particularly if Liverpool shift formation.

Frimpong’s move marks a return to the Premier League and fulfills a long-held ambition. Once close to joining Liverpool as a teenager, the Dutchman will now compete with Conor Bradley, but arrives at Anfield with the confidence and form to make an instant impact. His connection to new coach Slot and fellow Dutch players should ease his transition to life on Merseyside, and fans are already excited about his attacking flair.

The departure of Alexander-Arnold, however, remains a bitter pill for Liverpool supporters. Having lost their academy star to a European rival on a free transfer, many view it as a major failure by the club’s board. 

While the England international will face the challenge of adapting to Madrid’s intense spotlight, his ambition to evolve into a Ballon d’Or contender reflects a player ready to redefine his legacy.

For Real Madrid, his arrival continues their trend of high-profile, cost-effective acquisitions and adds another elite passer to their evolving squad.