Juventus questioned over Dean Huijsen sale as perplexed Fabio Capello says Italian side missed 'obvious' potential following Real Madrid move

Dean Huijsen Juventus

Former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello is surprised that Juventus couldn't realise the potential of Dean Huijsen after his early Real Madrid exploits.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Former Real Madrid and Juventus head coach Capello has been left perplexed by the sporting decisions of the latter, questioning the Italian giants for being unable to identify the talent and potential of young centre-back Huijsen following his early exploits and seamless adaptation with Los Blancos.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Huijsen was snapped up by the Old Lady in 2021 to join their youth academy. He made one appearance with the first team in the 2023-24 season, before being loaned to Roma in the second-half of the campaign. Last summer, Juve sold him to Premier League side Bournemouth for €15 million (£12.8m/$17.3m) plus add-ons, where he had a breakthrough season. His top-drawer displays earned him a much-deserved dream move to the Spanish capital, where he seems to have already nailed down a starting spot under Xabi Alonso.

WHAT FABIO CAPELLO SAID

“I am surprised that Juventus didn’t see the clear potential of the boy,” Capello told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Huijsen didn’t just suddenly become good. If he’s playing for Real Madrid at 20, he’s surely good enough for Juventus."

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WHAT NEXT FOR DEAN HUIJSEN?

The Spanish international will face his former employers on Tuesday, as Madrid will clash against Juventus in the Club World Cup round of 16.