The departure of young defender Dean Huijsen is widely considered a significant regret for Juventus, sparking considerable debate among fans and observers about who is ultimately responsible for this perceived error.
Management and Transfer Strategy Criticism
Many critics point fingers at the club`s management and recent transfer strategies. Some argue forcefully that promising young players like Huijsen have been “sold off” too readily or at unfavorable terms, while expensive acquisitions have failed to deliver on their price tags. There`s a strong sentiment that selling such talent, particularly underselling him, amounted to “pure self-sabotage.” Blame is often directed towards specific figures like Giuntoli for these decisions, with some believing that those responsible have rightly been removed.
Coaching Decisions and Player Choice
The handling of the player`s loan situation is another significant point of contention. It`s recalled that the initial plan by the coaching staff (reportedly Massimiliano Allegri) was a loan to Frosinone to ensure consistent game time. However, Huijsen`s subsequent move to Roma, reportedly influenced by José Mourinho and driven by the player`s desire for a more competitive environment, is seen by some as a demonstration of his character and ambition. Conversely, others feel this move strained relationships with the club. Some perspectives suggest Allegri himself mishandled the situation, including the decision regarding the January loan destination.
Ownership and Financial Priorities
A recurring and strong theme in the discussion is the role of ownership and the club`s financial priorities. Many argue that the principal issue is the ownership`s perceived focus on saving money and prioritizing sales to cash in, rather than investing adequately in the squad and securing top talent. This perspective suggests that prioritizing finances over keeping promising assets like Huijsen is symptomatic of a larger pattern of mismanagement that hinders the club`s ability to compete at the highest level in Europe. The view is expressed that everything ultimately comes down to financial considerations.
Potential, Opportunity Cost, and Missed Clauses
Beyond the strategic and financial debates, there`s a simpler, more emotional view: a promising young player should never be sold. Huijsen`s talent was evident from his time in the youth ranks. His versatility, including the potential to play left-back, is highlighted by some as further reason why his sale was a major error. Some proponents of this view feel keeping him would have been a straightforward solution for defensive depth, better than later signings perceived as less valuable or more expensive. While some observers questioned Huijsen`s defensive readiness as a center-back, even they often lament the terms of the sale (like not including a buy-back clause) rather than the player`s potential entirely. Some opinions also suggest that focusing on other young players might be a better path forward.
The debate over Huijsen`s departure highlights various perceived issues within the club, from transfer policy and coaching decisions to fundamental ownership philosophy and financial management. While opinions differ widely on where the fault ultimately lies, the sentiment of regret over losing a player with his potential is a clear common thread among many Juventus supporters, viewing it as another misstep in a recent period marked by strategic challenges and a perceived departure from the club`s historical identity.