Cristiano Giuntoli’s January transfer market for Juventus must bring a defender to Thiago Motta’s squad. Bremer’s injury has left a crucial position exposed, and Kalulu and Gatti alone – with Danilo, who’s set to depart, not giving the coach guarantees – are not enough. Action is needed: Antonio Silva, David Hancko, and Tomori are on the radar. However, Juventus had the solution at home last summer: Dean Huijsen, sold to Bournemouth to raise funds, is now in Real Madrid’s sights.
Spanish newspaper AS reports that Real Madrid has a concrete interest in the 2005-born defender. Carlo Ancelotti’s team has lost Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal for the entire season and, while waiting for Alaba’s return, must address the emergency. Huijsen, born in the Netherlands but naturalized Spanish, is considered the right profile in terms of age and performance. Real had already sought him out in 2021 when, at just 16, he chose to sign for Juventus despite Barcelona’s interest.
Huijsen explained his decision: “I believed Italy would give me more in terms of learning. I already had quality on the ball, but I needed to improve in duels with attackers, in clashes, and also in tactics. Indeed, Serie A is really giving me these things to become a better player, although I still have a lot to learn.”
Sold for €15.2 million plus €3 million in bonuses last summer, Huijsen could now be worth at least double after 13 appearances with Bournemouth between the league and Carabao Cup, including eight as a starter, and two goals in the Premier League. This could be considered a regret, especially since the figures circulating for the names on Giuntoli’s list are currently higher than what was received in the summer for a player of just 19 years with already a year of Serie A and 14 appearances between Juventus and Roma under his belt.
The valuation of Benfica’s Antonio Silva, who, as confirmed by his agent Jorge Mendes, wants Juventus, is around €40 million, with the Portuguese known to be expensive sellers. The figure to acquire Tomori from Milan is lower, with the Rossoneri willing to settle for a sum between €25 and €30 million (the same that might be needed for Hancko), although they would prefer to sell him abroad rather than see both him and Kalulu (the 2022 Scudetto-winning pair) in Bianconeri shirts.
Regarding Huijsen, there’s an aspect to consider: Juventus included a 10% sell-on clause in the agreement with Bournemouth. His departure from the Cherries, a true surprise in the Premier League, could therefore bring fresh funds into the Bianconeri coffers.
