Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly stalling on signing a new contract with Serie A giants amid interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona and Manchester United’s hopes of signing Matthijs de Ligt in the summer transfer window have increased. The Dutch defender has second thoughts about committing his long-term future to Juventus by signing a new long-term contract with the Serie A giants.
Matthijs de Ligt was one of the hottest properties in the market when he joined Juventus in July 2019 following a fruitful stint with the Dutch giants. The 22-year-old has since made gradual progress at the Allianz Stadium, with the Serie A heavyweights’ struggles in the last three seasons contributing to his slow growth.
The Dutch international has turned out 117 times for Juventus while chipping in with eight goals and three assists. But the Serie A giants are in a spot of bother as de Ligt is stalling on signing a new contract, with his current deal running out in two years. Such a situation has captured the attention of several European bigwigs, including Barcelona and Manchester United.
Barcelona will need to invest in a top-class centre-back in the summer transfer window as Gerard Pique is in the twilight of his storied career. In addition, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza face uncertain futures at Camp Nou, with Barcelona reportedly deeming the trio surplus to requirements.
Matthijs de Ligt is thus a viable target for Barcelona, with the Blaugrana reportedly considering offering Jordi Alba in the deal to sign the Dutch defender. But Barcelona will need to fend off stiff competition from Manchester United in the race to sign the 22-year-old.
Erik ten Hag reportedly wants to reunite with de Ligt at Manchester United this summer as he sets about restructuring the Red Devils’ squad. And the Juventus defender is an option worth considering for Manchester United as Eric Bailly and Phil Jones might depart from Old Trafford, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been inconsistent. Raphael Varane has not been dependable either due to his questionable fitness record.
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Barcelona and Manchester United might now fancy their chances of snapping up the 22-year-old, who is having second thoughts about signing a new long-term contract with Juventus. The Serie A giants could thus have to cash in on de Ligt this summer.
