Barcelona rumored to be interested in Matthijs de Ligt
Barcelona need to strengthen their defense in the summer.
The reports in Spain suggested that Barcelona want Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Matthijs de Ligt made 56 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, scoring six goals and supplying two assists in return.
The 18-year-old has been touted as one of the brightest young prospects in Netherlands.
Barcelona are scouting the 18-year-old, who has been in considerably impressive form in recent times.
Matthijs de Ligt has represented Netherlands at Under-15, Under-16, Under-17 and Under-19 level, winning 33 caps and scoring one goal, before making his senior international debut in March 2017. As a member of Netherlands national football team, de Ligt won three caps.
Ernesto Valverde wants to sign a new defender and Matthijs de Ligt is one of the names at the top of his wishlist.
The report claims that Barcelona manager has extensively scouted de Ligt and is considering a move for the defender.
According to Football Espana (via Mundo Deportivo), “Barcelona are reportedly still interested in Ajax and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca’s coaches will ‘spy on’ De Vrij during Netherlands’ upcoming friendlies against England and Portugal. The newspaper explains the 18-year-old ‘leads a list of substitutes’ in the event Thomas Vermaelen or Yerry Mina leave Camp Nou this summer.”
Ajax are not in a position where they need to sell and would like to keep hold of the defender, but right offer may force the club to consider a deal.
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Matthijs de Ligt is an exciting talent, but right now Barcelona is not the right destination for his development.
Barcelona would likely much prefer a more experienced defender who can provide an immediate impact on the pitch.
How strong that interest is and whether Barcelona will make a move remains to be seen but it is certainly one worth keeping an eye on.
