Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Matthijs de Ligt, who is also a target for Tottenham, as the long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany.
According to a report by The Guardian, Matthijs de Ligt is the subject of interest from Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola considering him as Vincent Kompany’s long-term replacement. Premier League rivals Tottenham are also interested in signing the Ajax prodigy in the summer transfer window.
De Ligt is the latest gem to emerge in Dutch football, having emanated from the fabled Ajax academy as one of the most promising young players in the country. Having broken into the first-team setup at the club last season, the teenager has not just established himself as a mainstay in defence for his club, but also for the Dutch National Side.
De Ligt has already amassed over 50 appearances for Ajax and is rightly being earmarked for greatness. His exploits for the Dutch giants haven’t gone unnoticed on potential big name suitors as well, with the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham and now, Manchester City setting their sights on the wonderkid.
Tottenham are bracing themselves for the departure of Toby Alderweireld, who has refused to commit his future to the club. The Belgian’s exit would leave Mauricio Pochettino with Jan Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth as the only recognised options at his disposal, making de Ligt a viable target.
What also stands Tottenham in good stead is their relationship with Ajax, having signed both Sanchez and Christian Eriksen from the club in recent years. But, the entry of Manchester City into the fray spices things up.
Pep Guardiola already has four top class centre-backs at his disposal, but Vincent Kompany’s fragile physical nature is a concern for him even though the defender ended the season strongly. However, the fact that the Manchester City captain and Nicolas Otamendi are both on the wrong side of 30 would make a long-term addition welcome.
But, while de Ligt is being considered as a long-term replacement for Kompany, and would fit in well in Guardiola’s system due to his technical prowess, the Manchester City manager does not intend to halt his progress by making him a bit-part player. As a result, a loan move could be a possible option.
If not, Tottenham would fancy their chances as they are likely to provide him more first-team minutes than Manchester City. Alternatively, de Ligt could also decide to stay put at Ajax, where he can continue blossoming before he can rightfully claim regular first-team football at a bigger club.
Wherever he ends up plying his trade next season, one thing is certain. De Ligt’s stock is skyrocketing as he continues going from strength to strength. It now remains to be seen if either of Manchester City or Tottenham are able to land the 18-year-old this summer.
