Dean Huijsen’s father has described his son’s Juventus exit as a “dark day” and hit out at Thiago Motta for his “brutal” treatment of the defender. The 20-year-old was sold to Bournemouth for €15 million in 2024, before Real Madrid triggered his release clause this summer leaving Juve fans furious over the loss of one of their brightest academy products.
Juventus shock sale still causing backlash
Huijsen’s shock departure from Juventus continues to spark controversy. The highly rated centre-back, signed from Malaga at 16 and tipped to become one of the world’s best defenders, was sold to Bournemouth for just €15m (£13m/$16m) plus bonuses. Madrid then activated his release clause, paying €60m (£50m/$66m) to bring him to Spain, where he has already broken into Xabi Alonso’s first-team plans.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportHuijsen’s father slams Motta’s ‘brutal’ treatment
In an interview with , Huijsen’s father and agent, Donald, revealed the family’s disbelief at the way Juventus handled the situation, saying: "It was a real shock. We couldn't believe it, we were shocked. It was bad, too bad. A dark day. Terrible. A bolt from the blue. But why? We wondered, unable to understand, the reasons for the forced separation."
He added: "Dean was wonderful in Turin, he speaks excellent Italian, he was appreciated and well-liked by everyone. From the staff to his teammates, from the entire Juventus world to the warehouseman. Giuntoli was categorical and Motta was brutal when they told him he would no longer be part of the project and that he had to leave, that he was no longer allowed to train with the first team."
Juve’s loss is Madrid’s big gain
The Spaniard’s move has left Juventus fans and insiders bitter. Signed for just €470,000, he had already impressed in his Serie A debut against AC Milan under Massimiliano Allegri. But with Cristiano Giuntoli reshaping the squad under then new coach Motta, the defender was pushed out and sold cheaply to the Cherries. Los Blancos' swoop this summer has intensified criticism of Juve’s decision, especially as Huijsen has already shown flashes of quality at the Club World Cup.
It has been speculated that the sale had a role in Giuntoli's sacking at Juve, to which Huijsen said: "He and Motta aren't exactly among my best friends…"
Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Huijsen at Real Madrid
After a shaky showing in Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to rivals Atletico, Huijsen will aim to bounce back when Alonso’s side face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League this week, before returning to La Liga action against Villarreal.
