Barcelona closing in on big money move for Ajax star
Barcelona want to sure up their defense
Officials at Barcelona are happy they’re ten points clear of Real Madrid at the moment, but that doesn’t mean they’re resting on their laurels. Instead, Ernesto Valverde’s squad is preparing a big money move to strengthen the club’s back line in January.
Reports in Holland claim the La Liga giants are prepared to pay Ajax £45 million to bring Matthijs Ligt to Spain in January. The 18-year-old central defender has attracted quite a bit of attention by securing a regular place in Ajax’s starting XI this season.
The Dutch starlet hasn’t been a wallflower for his club either. He’s been a quality member of the club’s starting corps. De Ligt has posted a Whoscored.com player rating average of 7.16 in his 12 Eredivisie starts. He’s even managed to find the back of the net twice this season.
Of course, Barcelona won’t be purchasing de Ligt for his offensive talents. Valverde wants to acquire him in order to keep opponents from finding the back of Barcelona’s net. He would be a welcome addition to the club’s current central defensive partnership of Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique.
More from FC Barcelona
- Alexia Putellas reaches 400 games with Barcelona
- Barcelona put five past Real Betis
- Xavi backs struggling Robert Lewandowski
- Gavi youngest Barcelona player to reach 100 games
- Barcelona struggle but pull out win against Osasuna
It seems likely that de Ligt wouldn’t be expected to immediately dislodge anyone from Valverde’s starting XI. The more likely truth is that Barcelona would be buying him to serve as Gerard Pique’s long-term successor. The 30-year-old is enjoying an excellent season, but it’s unclear just how long he can remain a world-class defender.
Even if Pique remains a top player for several more seasons, adding a talent like de Ligt is still a sound decision. 18-year-olds with his poise and presence on the ball don’t come along every day. He has the talent to become one of the top defenders in the world. That’s just the sort of centre back Barcelona should be looking to acquire.
For Ajax, it’s a difficult blow. The club realize they don’t have the financial power to knock back such a significant bid, but their preference would still be to hold on to de Ligt for a few more seasons. The club were forced to sell Davinson Sanchez to Tottenham ahead of their timeline last seasons for similar reasons. Losing de Ligt in the following year could really forced Ajax to scramble for a suitable replacement.
Next: Barcelona targeting new Coutinho alternative
That problem isn’t of any concern to Barcelona. They are only concerned with amassing the most talented squad in the world. Purchasing a player like de Ligt could certainly help them accomplish that aim.