Barcelona and Liverpool have overlapped for the signature of Matthijs De Ligt.
Matthijs De Ligt saga does not end any time soon, thanks to his agent Mino Raiola playing hardball with the suitors. Earlier this week, Guillem Balague has confirmed about the interest of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Juventus on the Ajax Skipper. He added that the defender is yet to make a decision as he continues to assess his options.
A surprising report broke through yesterday confirming Manchester United’s interest on the defender. The Red Devils are ready to pay £14 million salary to land him at Old Trafford. However, fresh reports from L’Equipe have confirmed that the defender is wanted by Barcelona and Liverpool alone.
The English and Spanish giants are reportedly prepared to pay €75 million to secure his services in the summer transfer window. The recent suggestion that Barcelona might not pay up might be dislodged as the Blaugrana bid more than 70 million.
Having learned the fame of Matthijs De Ligt in the current market, Raiola is asking ludicrous compensation money. However, Barcelona remain stubborn in a part which sees Mino Railo not getting much compensation to see his client sign.
On the other hand, Liverpool have paid the most for agents in the Premier League over the last two years. There is a huge contrast between these two board operations and a decision might be taken soon by the defender.
At Anfield, De Ligt will have the chance to partner with the Dutch Skipper Virgil Van Dijk. But, he will have to compete with Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, and Dejan Lovren for the single spot. With Samuel Umtiti likely to head the exit door, Matthijs De Ligt might get more game time at Nou Camp than at Liverpool.
Barcelona are struggling to yield their finances and are open to selling some of their stars this summer. The club is ready to sell Ivan Rakitic, Philippe Coutinho, and Samuel Umtiti to bring in Matthijs De Ligt and Antoine Griezmann. The same applies for Liverpool as they are expected to recoup 100 million, with Daniel Sturridge, Alberto Moreno, Simon Mignolet, Adam Lallana, Harry Wilson, Danny Ings, and Nathaniel Clyne expected to leave the club.
Here’s how Twitter reacted..
L’Équipe: Barcelona currently competing with Liverpool to land Matthijs de Ligt for around €75m https://t.co/ZWHVms5voZ
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 24, 2019
Matthijs de Ligt drops strong transfer hint amid Man Utd, Liverpool and Barcelona interest – Express https://t.co/2k3KQGKCNj
— UK Sports News Bot (@UKNewsBot1) May 22, 2019
Barcelona are currently competing with Liverpool for the signing of Matthijs de Ligt. [@lequipe]
— Matt (@FalseFMatt) May 24, 2019
UPDATE: I never said that –
Guillem Balague has hit back at false rumours that have been circling the internet about Liverpool and Barcelona.
The La Liga expert revealed earlier this summer that Liverpool and Barcelona were both interested in Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. pic.twitter.com/MX3blr2ydO
— Monument Ent Magazine (@Themonumentng) May 21, 2019
Barcelona are currently competing with Liverpool to land Matthijs de Ligt, for around €75M. [@GFFN via L’Équipe] pic.twitter.com/sp2iCQMNhd
— AFC Ajax 💫 (@TheEuropeanLad) May 24, 2019
What’s next?
Liverpool will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League finals and Barcelona will face Valencia in the Copa Del Rey finals.
