Dean Huijsen “Dark Day”: Father Slams Juventus and Thiago Motta Over Shock Sale to Bournemouth and Real Madrid Move

The fallout from Dean Huijsen’s Juventus exit still rumbles on, with the young defender’s father calling the day his son was sold “a dark day” for the family and taking aim at Thiago Motta’s handling of the situation. The Dutch-Spanish centre-back, who has already broken into Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid first team, remains at the heart of one of the most polarising decisions the Bianconeri have made in recent years.

Juventus Shock Sale Still Haunting Fans

When Juventus agreed to sell Dean Huijsen to Bournemouth for €15 million in the summer of 2024, fans were left scratching their heads. The 20-year-old was widely regarded as one of the best defenders to come through the Juve system in a decade. Signed from Malaga for just €470,000 as a teenager, Huijsen had impressed whenever given a chance, including a confident Serie A debut against AC Milan under Massimiliano Allegri.

But when Cristiano Giuntoli began reshaping the squad under newly appointed coach Thiago Motta, Huijsen was suddenly told he was no longer part of the project. The decision stunned those inside the club and beyond. Less than a year later, Real Madrid triggered the release clause Bournemouth had put into his contract, paying €60m to take him to the Bernabéu — a move that has left many wondering if Juventus had just given away a future superstar for a fraction of his true value.

Dean Huijsen’s Father Speaks: “A Bolt from the Blue”

Real Madrid C.F. v Olympique de Marseille – UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 dean Huijsen

In a revealing interview with Tuttosport, Huijsen’s father and agent, Donald, laid bare the family’s emotions over the saga.

“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,” he said. “But why? We wondered, unable to understand, the reasons for the forced separation.”

Donald Huijsen painted a picture of a player who had fully embraced life in Turin. “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,” he said.

But the mood turned sour when the news was delivered. “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,” he explained.

A Decision That May Have Cost Giuntoli His Job

The sale continues to be a source of anger among Juventus supporters, and many insiders believe it contributed to Cristiano Giuntoli’s eventual sacking as sporting director. The criticism is fierce: letting a player of Huijsen’s potential go for just €15m now looks like one of the club’s worst decisions in years.

Huijsen himself, while respectful, didn’t hide his feelings when asked about Giuntoli and Motta:

“He and Motta aren’t exactly among my best friends…” he admitted with a wry smile.

For Juventus, who have prided themselves on smart talent development and recruitment, losing a homegrown gem for a cut-price fee — only to watch him flourish elsewhere — has been a bitter pill to swallow.

Real Madrid’s Big Gain

If Juventus lost, Real Madrid certainly won. Huijsen’s transfer to Los Blancos has been met with excitement in the Spanish capital. The 20-year-old has already been trusted by Xabi Alonso in high-profile games, including appearances in the Club World Cup and La Liga.

Although he endured a tough night in Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to rivals Atletico, there’s a strong sense that Huijsen is being groomed for a long-term role at the heart of Madrid’s defence. He has the physicality, calmness on the ball, and technical quality that fits perfectly with the club’s philosophy of blending star power with young talent.

Madrid fans have quickly taken to him, impressed by his composure and passing range, even in high-pressure situations. For €60m, Florentino Pérez may have secured the future leader of Madrid’s backline for the next decade.

What Comes Next for Dean Huijsen

The immediate challenge for Huijsen is bouncing back from the disappointment of the derby defeat. Madrid face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League this week, a fixture that could be the perfect opportunity for the young centre-back to get back on track. Then comes a tricky La Liga clash with Villarreal, where Alonso will be expecting a stronger defensive performance.

For Huijsen, these next few games could be crucial in cementing his place in Alonso’s starting XI. For Juventus, each good performance he delivers will only deepen the frustration over letting him go.

A “Dark Day” That May Define Careers

Donald Huijsen’s words continue to resonate with Juventus fans because they underline what many already feared: this wasn’t just a routine transfer, it was the severing of ties with a player who could have been a pillar of the club for years.

Whether this episode ends up defining Motta’s reign as Juventus coach or becomes just a footnote will depend on how successful his rebuilding project turns out to be. For now, though, Huijsen’s progress at Real Madrid is a weekly reminder of what Juventus let slip through their fingers.