Real Madrid and Bournemouth have agreed a deal to allow Dean Huijsen to leave his contract early to play for the LaLiga side in the Club World Cup.
Sky Sports News understands the 20-year-old's representatives are in Madrid negotiating personal terms and an agreement is expected to be reached by Friday.
Huijsen is available to play, if selected for Bournemouth's final two games of the season despite his impending move to Madrid.
Crucially the defender wanted the agreement signed as quickly as possible so he could play a role in helping Bournemouth to try and reach Europe, which would be the first time in their history.
Huijsen wanted to show respect to the club that gave him his chance in the Premier League and to his teammates, who he has forged close bonds with since arriving last summer.
After a day of negotiations yesterday, the two clubs agreed a deal allowing the defender to leave his Bournemouth contract early, which will now free him to play in the Club World Cup for Real Madrid.
This all happened late last night after Madrid made it clear they were willing to pay Huijsen's release clause - £50 million - in the three contracted instalments over the next 18 months.
Further discussions then took place around releasing the 20-year-old early to play in the Club World Cup, which Bournemouth agreed to.
Juventus are due 10 per cent of any profits made after selling the defender to Bournemouth last summer.
A number of Premier League clubs had asked to be kept informed of developments around Huijsen before Real stepped up their interest, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Until now, no club had reached out to Bournemouth to let them know they are willing to pay the release clause, but Real made the first move on Wednesday.
Sky Sports News has previously reported that Huijsen's priority would be the Bernabeu Stadium.
It is thought that as many as five Premier League sides had held talks with his agents, as well as clubs from LaLiga and the Bundesliga, over a potential package to sign him this summer.
Huijsen's representatives have a very good relationship with Chelsea, who have other centre-back targets, including Crystal Palace captain - and Blues academy graduate - Marc Guehi, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Ajax's Jorrel Hato.
Sky Sports News reported at the start of this month that Chelsea were seriously considering making an offer to Ajax for Hato.
Analysis from Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam:
It was a transfer that went under the radar in the summer of 2024. But less than 12 months later, £12m has turned into £50m.
At the back end of July, before the window had even got going, Bournemouth signed a young 19-year-old defender from Juventus. That man was Dean Huijsen.
One appearance for 'The Old Lady' and 13 for Roma in 2023/24 didn't exactly say he was the next best thing, but now he really is.
Bournemouth clearly saw something that others didn't. They had belief, a plan, and their recent recruitment suggests they can spot the special sauce. And Huijsen is oozing quality.
It's no secret that Huijsen's £50m release clause will be activated by someone this summer, but with a host of big hitters all willing to pay it, Huijsen will have his pick, and according to the media, he can literally go anywhere.
From Real Madrid to Liverpool, Newcastle to Barcelona, the queue to get him goes round the block and back again.
But like most players when talking about their future, he wouldn't be drawn on these links.
Huijsen, sat down on the fresh grass at the club's new performance centre and seemingly in a relaxed mood, said: "I'm very calm. I don't really focus on it, now is not the time. I'm just focused on finishing the season well.
"My dad is my agent, he fixes everything, I don't read anything, I don't think about it too much, I'm just focusing on my football and working hard."
Huijsen was also coy on the rumoured release clause. "I'm just focused on making history at this club," he says with a smile - and I believe him.
Analysis: The numbers that make Huijsen perfect for Real Madrid
There is no doubt Dean Huijsen is the breakout start of this Premier League season. The numbers the young defender has produced would make him ideal not just for Real Madrid, but for any top side in general.
The Spain international's reading of the game is what makes him stand out. His ability to spot an interception opportunity and execute the move is a key part of his game.
But his ability to do this consistently is what puts him among the best centre-backs in the division.
His defensive timing is also epitomised by the quality of clearances he has made. Again, it is one of the best records in the division and right alongside William Saliba's numbers in this department.
No wonder Arsenal were one of the clubs tempted to activate that £50m release clause.
But Huijsen is also very capable on the ball, with his ability to pull off a long pass crucial in Bournemouth's vertical style of play.
It has helped get Andoni Iraola's side up the pitch and dominating games. A reminder that if xG decided matches this season, Bournemouth would be in sixth in the Premier League right now.
And Huijsen pulling all this off after starting the season aged just 19 is more than impressive. He has benefited from being around elite dressing rooms such as Juventus and Jose Mourinho's Roma.
Real Madrid would not just be getting a high-performing player in the present, but for the next 10 years too.
From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
