It happened with Huijsen, it could happen again. Juve evaluates a bid for a (former) Next Gen, but fans fear a new regret
Juve, sei sicura? Potrebbe nascere un nuovo caso Huijsen (Foto: Ansa) – serieanews.com
One of Juventus’ biggest recent market regrets is surely Dean Huijsen. The Dutch-Spanish defender sold out quickly and became a Bournemouth mainstay within a few months. After a season as a true star, he is now worth at least 60 million. Four times as much as what Juve cashed in a year ago. A snub for Giuntoli, who in this case can eat his hands: this time he didn’t see eye to eye.
And the problem is that this is not an exception. Juventus is used to it, to operations of this kind. The Next Gen produces talent, and the club, for budgetary or management needs, often sells them for high, but not very high, figures. It’s a calculated risk: in some cases it tells you right, in some cases it tells you wrong. And when it tells you wrong, you find yourself watching one of your former youngsters become a crack somewhere else.
A similar situation could resurface this summer. No, not for Yildiz, who, if he were to leave, would do so for at least 60-70 million, figures all in line with his potential. But for another boy who has quietly blossomed and who today is in danger of taking the same path as Huijsen.
Juventus, Savona piace al Manchester City: un nuovo caso Huijsen?
We are talking about Nicolò Savona, the Bianconeri’s Next Gen fullback launched by Thiago Motta at the beginning of the season, without too much fanfare, and then grown to become an important part of the squad. He is not one of those names that makes noise, but those who have seen the matches know: he has leg, he has head, and he had courage. And in fact someone, even abroad, has started to think about it.
Juventus, Savona piace al Manchester City: un nuovo caso Huijsen? (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
Manchester City is keeping an eye on him. Pep Guardiola has put him on the list of up-and-coming profiles that could complete the roster along with Andrea Cambiaso. And yes, the comparison with Huijsen comes in handy here as well: because if a player like that really ends up under the guidance of someone like Pep, the risk that he will definitely explode is real. And then those 20-25 million that seem like a “fair” capital gain today could become ridiculous tomorrow.
Then there is the usual variable that weighs on everything: Champions League entry. Should Juventus fail to hit the target, some sacrifice will be inevitable. And Savona, who is worth zero on the balance sheet, is the perfect profile to start with. Young, internally enhanced, attractive to rich clubs. But also dangerous to lose now, if he becomes yet another regret tomorrow.
A boy from the nursery blossoming elsewhere. Another Huijsen. Juve, are you really sure?
This article Juve, are you sure? A new Huijsen case could arise appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
