Matthijs de Ligt casts doubt about joining Barcelona
The coveted Matthijs de Ligt spoke about his future and wondered aloud if Barcelona was his best option.
Matthijs de Ligt is the name of everyone’s mind as the Dutch defender must decide where his future lies. After a fantastic season with Ajax and Netherlands, the 19-year-old has no shortage of suitors. One of those suitors is Barcelona.
After signing Frenkie de Jong, the consensus among many was that the Catalan club would snatch up De Ligt as well. Josep Maria Bartomeu, the Barcelona president, even went as far as to say he knew where De Ligt would be playing next season intimating that it would be Barcelona. But that may no longer be the case.
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In an interview picked up by Mundo Deportivo, when asked about his future, De Ligt said, “I still don’t know what my heart tells me. When I’m on vacation I’ll be able to think about it and decide what I’m going to do about my future.”
He went on to say that money will not be a deciding factor in which club he chooses and that he will not be influenced by either Frenkie de Jong or Cristiano Ronaldo. He also said that facing competition in Barcelona is not something he shied away from. However, he did stress that one thing he is looking for is playing time.
If money and competition are not factors, then why has he not settled on Barcelona?
“Because maybe it’s not the time yet. It’s something I have to think about and decide during my vacations, nothing more,” De Ligt responded.
According to Sport, Barcelona has a deal in place with Ajax over the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt. But they still have to convince not only the defender but his agent, Mino Raiola, as well.
However, as mentioned, Barcelona is not alone in their pursuit.
PSG once again stand in their way with the Parisian club offering an exorbitant amount of money in terms of wages. If it was about money, then the decision is a no-brainer and he would sign with the French side.
ESPN FC reports that Barcelona will make one more push for De Ligt and plan to meet with Raiola. However, it is unlikely that they will increase their offer by much if any and instead will attempt to convince him that their sporting project is more attractive than a PSG, Juventus, or Manchester United.
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With the likes of Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic already signed, Matthijs de Ligt remains the most attractive offer left on the board.