According to reports, Barcelona have launched a massive €60m bid for Ajax’s defensive star Matthijs de Ligt.
Barcelona sealed the signing of Ajax’s youngster Frenkie de Jong in the winter transfer window.
However, the club now aims to reunite the two childhood teammates, as reports suggest that the Catalan giants have made a bid for Matthijs de Ligt as well.
The Ajax captain attracted European giants like PSG and Bayern Munich, but it has been increasingly speculated that the player could don the Barca jersey next season.
If the Dutch side accepts the bid, both Ajax stars will join Barcelona in the summer. The duo has been key to Ajax’s season so far, as the club stands at second in the league, and pulled out a dramatic 4-1 victory over Real Madrid to enter Champions League quarterfinals.
de Ligt to Barcelona:
Matthijs de Ligt is seen as a successor to Gerard Pique at Camp Nou, as De Jong for Sergio Busquets.
The Dutch defender would be a valuable addition to Barcelona’s exquisite list of centre-backs, which includes names like Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti.
Spanish media outlet Sport has reported that Barcelona have launched a 60m bid for the Ajax captain.
It has been understood that Eric Abidal and Marc Overmars met prior to the January transfer window to discuss a potential transfer for Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch side was reluctant in parting ways with their captain at the time. However, as the season proceeds to the business end, it is expected that Ajax would accept the bid from Barcelona.
Matthijs de Ligt has also expressed interest in playing for Barcelona. According to Sport, the Camp Nou outfit expects the defender to join the club in the absence of a bidding war.
In case other clubs join the race to sign the player, Barcelona might pull out of the move.
How Twitter reacted..
It seems like Matthijs de Ligt will be joining his bestfriend Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona after turning down a number of Europe’s biggest club. Looks like Bartomeu is making Barça Dutch again, something Johan Cruyff would’ve been proud of.
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) March 20, 2019
‼️ BOMBAZO! Barça present €60M + variables for Matthijs de Ligt to Ajax as their first offer.
➡️ Juventus won’t let up, but Barca feel that he’ll sign if offered the same contract as his compatriot, Frenkie de Jong.
❌ Barça are all for Jovic & discard Griezmann.
[SPORT, 🥇] pic.twitter.com/owesLoJIdK
— Omar 🎙️ (@Blaugranagram) March 19, 2019
Barca offer €60m for De Ligt & believe can seal the deal within a month (Sport)
Barcelona believe they can seal the signing of Matthijs de Ligt within a month. The Catalans have been playing their cards and have launched their final offensive for the Ajax player. pic.twitter.com/oaY8zJjbyX
— UnquenchSports.com (@AdwenpaU) March 20, 2019
Bosz: “It was Overmars who pointed out this 16-year-old defender named Matthijs de Ligt at the start of the season. At first I didn’t think it was possible, a 16-year-old defender in the first team? But after training with him for a week I told Marc I wanted to keep him around.” pic.twitter.com/SZGJxO2irl
— AjaxTimes (@ajaxtimes) March 19, 2019
What next?
There is a possibility of de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong facing Barcelona this season, as both the clubs are in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
While Ajax faces Juventus, Barcelona take on Manchester United in the competition.
