Dean Huijsen Transfer: Capello Rues Juventus Misstep

Dean Huijsen transfer debate exploded anew this week after former Real Madrid and Juventus tactician Fabio Capello publicly questioned why the Bianconeri cashed in on the teenage centre-back so soon. The veteran coach’s remarks, sparked by Huijsen’s confident early displays in Madrid, have reignited scrutiny over the strategy in Turin and shone a light on how Europe’s elite value raw defensive talent.

Dean Huijsen Transfer Raises Questions in Turin

Huijsen joined Juventus’ academy from Málaga in 2021 and was widely considered one of the brightest prospects at Vinovo. Standing 1.95 m, comfortable on either foot and supremely calm in possession, he dominated Primavera matches and trained several times with Max Allegri’s senior squad. Yet despite glowing internal reports, the Dutch-born Spaniard made a solitary first-team appearance before Juve agreed a cut-price deal that allowed Real Madrid to swoop last summer.

Capello’s Stinging Assessment

Speaking to Italian television, Capello admitted he was “perplexed” by the sale, insisting Huijsen was “already good enough” for regular Serie A minutes. “You don’t sell a defender with that technique unless you must,” Capello warned. His words echo a broader concern among supporters that Juventus, under financial pressure following recent off-field turmoil, may be prioritising short-term balance-sheet relief over long-term squad building.

How Real Madrid Plan to Shape the Rookie

At Valdebebas, Carlo Ancelotti’s staff have mapped out a gradual pathway. Early Copa del Rey outings revealed Huijsen’s composure, aerial strength and ability to spring attacks with crisp vertical passes. Madrid insiders liken his profile to a young Raphaël Varane: raw but receptive to elite coaching. With Nacho approaching the twilight of his career, Los Blancos envision the teenager as a cost-effective successor who can rotate with Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger.

Juventus’ Defensive Landscape Post-Sale

Juventus, for their part, continue to rely on the rugged triumvirate of Bremer, Danilo and Federico Gatti in a back three. While solid domestically, none possess Huijsen’s blend of height, pace and distribution. Youth options remain thin, as Riccardo Turicchia is more of a full-back and Tommaso Barbieri is learning on loan. Critics argue that maintaining Huijsen in the squad would have provided a low-cost succession plan while satisfying UEFA’s new squad-registration quotas for home-grown talent.

Financial Rationale Behind the Deal

Club executives contend that the €15 million fee, plus a healthy sell-on clause, represented smart business amid UEFA’s monitoring of their wages-to-turnover ratio. They also stress that Alessandro Buongiorno of Torino and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini remain long-term targets, and funds from the Huijsen transaction could be recycled there. Nonetheless, observers note that selling a home-grown player erodes potential capital gains and forces the club back into an already overheated Italian centre-back market.

Historical Parallels and Lessons

Juventus supporters still wince when reminded of Kingsley Coman’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2015. The French winger left after limited opportunities in Turin and later punished his ex-employers by scoring the winning goal in the 2020 Champions League final. Capello’s comments rekindle fears of déjà vu: nurturing talent only for another powerhouse to reap the prime years. With Serie A’s economic gap to La Liga widening, Italian clubs can scarcely afford repeat mistakes.

The Wider Implications for Italian Football

Huijsen’s rapid promotion in Spain underscores a cultural difference. La Liga giants historically thrust prodigies into high-pressure matches—think Ansu Fati or Pedri—accelerating their development and boosting resale value. Serie A managers, meanwhile, often prefer experienced campaigners, leaving precocious talents searching abroad. If the Dean Huijsen transfer becomes another case study in talent drain, pressure will rise on FIGC and clubs alike to modernise development pathways.

Capello’s Call to Action

Capello urged Juventus to implement clearer roadmaps from U19 to senior squad: “A great club protects its jewels, even when points matter. Giving five or six league starts is an investment, not a risk.” The former coach also praised Real Madrid’s confidence: “They know a diamond when they see one and are patient enough to polish it.” His critique struck a chord with fans who watched Federico Chiesa and Dušan Vlahović battle injuries while no youthful dynamism emerged from the bench.

What Happens Next?

Real Madrid will likely integrate Huijsen into their Club World Cup roster, offering valuable exposure to varied playing styles. For Juventus, winter mercato rumours suggest they may seek a short-term veteran to bolster depth, an ironic twist given they relinquished a ready-made option. Should Huijsen shine on global television, the debate will intensify, and the Bianconeri’s decision-makers may find themselves answering uncomfortable questions at the next shareholders’ meeting.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity?

Capello’s verdict is blunt but difficult to dismiss. Juventus face an identity crossroads: continue treating youth as tradeable assets or finally trust them on the pitch. The Dean Huijsen transfer might become a turning point, either a cautionary tale of shortsightedness or a catalyst for reform in Italian talent management.

Opinion: Selling promising defenders is sometimes unavoidable, yet timing is everything. Juventus acted too soon, sacrificing upside for modest liquidity. If Huijsen blossoms in Madrid white, this will haunt Turin boardrooms for years.