Matthijs de Ligt is a hot property in the transfer market, and it looks like Real Madrid have overtaken Barcelona in the running for his services.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have decided to go heads on as they look to pursue the signing of Ajax Amsterdam defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Netherlands international is a very highly rated defender, and at the ripe age of just 19, he is one of the youngest first team captains across Europe, which just shows how good he is on the pitch and with his leadership too.
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Having already pounced upon Frenkie de Jong, the Catalans were set to close in on the signing of another one of Ajax Amsterdam’s brightest talents, until Real Madrid chose to pace up their pursuit of the central defender. Now the race having come down to assurances and transfer fees, Real Madrid are close to winning, according to rumours.
Barcelona are willing to pay Ajax Amsterdam 60 million euros including bonuses and variables, whereas Real Madrid are 20 million euros better off their rivals- at 80 million euros. And on a better note, Florentino Perez will hand de Ligt the leadership that Sergio Ramos possesses right now once he leaves the club in a few more years.
Anyway, Raphael Varane has reportedly told his teammates that he will be leaving the club for a newer challenge mostly in the Premier League and so, de Ligt could make the first team ahead of Nacho Fernandez if he signs during the 2019/20 campaign. Therefore, he may want Real Madrid as well.
With that said, Real Madrid’s other targets such as Milan Skriniar and Kalidou Koulibaly are going to be extremely difficult to purchase simply because their clubs are either reluctant in selling, or have too many customers to deal with at the moment. In that way, Ajax are liberal and have conceded to the fact that de Ligt will leave the club soon.
Do you think Matthijs de Ligt could be the perfect replacement to Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos?