Following on from their great period of dominance in Italy’s Serie A campaign in recent years under gaffer Massimiliano Allegri, racking up multiple successive Scudetto’s, Juventus’ struggles in more recent times has been quite marked in reality.
With former Bologna gaffer Thiago Motto now in place, the Old Lady have already made some bold moves in the summer transfer window. Prior to the 2023/24 campaign coming to an official close, they made a £42.35 million move for Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, saw that saw Samuel Iling-Junior (£11.8 million) and Enzo Barrenechea (£6.7 million) move in the opposite direction once we ticked into July. Khephren Thuram has also arrived, with Moise Kean and Kaio Jorge departing, but those deals have been officially undisclosed.
It is now being reported that they have agreed a further deal with an English Premier League side, but this one is also a departure. Earlier on Thursday it was being claimed on the rumour mill that a firm £12.6 million agreement had now been struck with AFC Bournemouth over 19 year old centre back Dean Huijsen.
A medical is still set to take place, but it is suggested that the overall value of the deal could rise to £15.2 million for the youth international.
Having been born in the Netherlands, he played international football for their underage groups until Under 19 level, but in gaining his Spanish citizenship earlier this year, he made the switch and stepped into their Under 21 set up, making his debut back in March.
He made the move to the Bianconeri three years ago, initially joining their Under 17 side, but upon signing his professional deal and progressed through to their first team set up, he made his debut for them as a substitute in the 1-0 victory over AC Milan back in October 2023. In the second half of last season, he was loaned out to Serie A rivals AS Roma and he went on to make five starting appearances for them, with eight substitute showings, returning two goals.
Many will feel it is quite an incredible fee given his overall experience and the lack of game time for his age, but that just represents how highly rated he has been for a long time and Bournemouth will be hoping they have got themselves a bargain given the development potential that lies ahead of him in the years to come.
Juventus fans will be eagerly awaiting their next incoming capture of the summer, as there is now just under a month before the Serie A season kicks off for real.
