Fabio Capello Criticizes Juventus For Huijsen Sale To Real Madrid

Michael

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Post on Jul 02, 2025

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Capello Condemns Juventus' Huijsen Sale: A Costly Mistake for the Bianconeri?

Juventus' decision to sell highly-rated young defender, Kieran Huijsen, to Real Madrid has sparked a furious backlash, with legendary manager Fabio Capello leading the charge of critics. The controversial transfer, reportedly worth €20 million plus add-ons, has left many questioning Juventus' strategic direction and raising concerns about the club's long-term future.

Capello, known for his uncompromising style and sharp tactical acumen, didn't mince words in his assessment. Speaking to Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, he stated unequivocally that selling Huijsen was a “grave error” and a sign of a flawed youth development strategy at Juventus. He argued that the club should be nurturing and retaining its brightest young talents, not selling them to direct rivals at a potentially undervalued price.

“Huijsen is a player with immense potential,” Capello declared. “He's strong, technically gifted, and possesses the right mentality. To let a player like him go, especially to Real Madrid, is a decision I simply cannot understand.” This sentiment is echoed by many Juventus supporters who feel the club is sacrificing long-term growth for short-term financial gain.

The Huijsen Factor: More Than Just a Transfer

The Huijsen transfer is more than just a simple sale; it represents a wider debate surrounding Juventus' approach to youth development. While the club has a proud history of producing world-class players from its academy, recent years have seen a noticeable shift towards acquiring established stars, often at significant cost. This has led to criticism that the club is neglecting its youth system, potentially hindering its long-term competitiveness.

Several factors contribute to the controversy:

• Potential Undervaluation: Many analysts believe that Huijsen's true market value is significantly higher than the reported €20 million. His age, potential, and the intense competition for young talents suggest he could command a much larger fee in the future.
• Rival Strengthening: Selling Huijsen to a direct competitor like Real Madrid only exacerbates the issue. It strengthens a rival while potentially weakening Juventus' own squad for years to come.
• Lack of Replacement: The absence of a clear replacement for Huijsen further highlights the perceived shortsightedness of the decision. Juventus needs to demonstrate a concrete plan to fill the void left by the young defender's departure.

Juventus' Response and Future Strategy

Juventus has yet to issue a detailed public response to Capello's criticism. However, the club's silence only serves to amplify the concerns surrounding the Huijsen transfer. The club needs to address the concerns raised by Capello and its fanbase, outlining its long-term strategy for youth development and explaining the rationale behind this controversial decision. Failure to do so could further erode confidence in the club's leadership and its ability to compete at the highest level.

This situation highlights the crucial balance between financial stability and long-term strategic planning in modern football. The question remains: was Juventus' decision to sell Huijsen a shrewd business move, or a costly mistake that will haunt the club for years to come? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below.