Barcelona are still a way off from agreeing a deal for Ajax captain Matthijs De Ligt, according to reports.
Central defender De Ligt has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou, having played an integral role in Ajax’s extraordinary run in the Champions League. The 19-year-old is one of the most highly-rated teenagers in world football, leading to links with the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United – with the former seen as the most likely destination.
However, ESPN FC report that De Ligt’s agent, Mino Raiola, believes that Ajax’s success this season means he can negotiate a better deal for his client than the one reportedly agreed with Barca earlier this year.
This is a major blow for Barcelona, who are struggling to keep on top of their wage bill, and are not keen on straining it by offering De Ligt a mammoth deal – especially if it would cause tension in the squad by seeing him earn more than Frenkie De Jong, who will also be making the move from Amsterdam to Catalonia this summer.
Meanwhile, interested parties in the Premier League could now jump ahead of Barcelona in the race for the Dutch international. For example, Liverpool partnering De Ligt with his compatriot Virgil Van Dijk could be the step they need to ensure they don’t fall short in the title race next season.
As for Manchester United, they are desperate for defensive reinforcements, having conceded nearly 70 goals in all competitions this season. Raiola does have history of dealing with United, having helped them get the deal to take Paul Pogba back from Juventus over the line in 2016.
However, reports on Tuesday indicated that De Ligt has rejected the huge contract offer tabled by United, which would have seen him become the best-paid teenager in world football.
Several coaches and pundits have also suggested that Manchester City should rival their fellow Premier League sides in the hunt for De Ligt.
The post Liverpool, Man City boosted as Barca hesitate over De Ligt demands appeared first on teamtalk.com.
Liverpool, Man City boosted as Barca hesitate over De Ligt demands
0 Comments: