Tottenham are reportedly pondering a January move for Matthijs de Ligt, with Fabio Paratici considering a bid for the Juventus centre-back.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham are considering a move for Matthijs de Ligt in January to shore up their backline. If the north London side are to make an actual offer in the next window, then it could be a costly affair considering the factors surrounding the Dutch defender.
Tottenham are stepping up their efforts to bring in quality reinforcements in the next window. Fabio Paratici is presumably laying down the groundwork for bringing in a top-draw central defender in January as suggested by the links to various centre-backs from the Serie A.
Antonio Conte has clearly demanded a new centre-back readymade in quality, as the Italian manager wants to bring some stability to his side’s backline. The former Inter Milan boss is gearing up for his second game against Leeds United this weekend, after starting his tenure with a goalless draw with Everton.
As the Tottenham manager hopes to improve on results, he has eyes for a top-class centre-back which explains the recent links with Stefan de Vrij and Milan Skriniar of Inter Milan. It appears Paratici is using his influence and Conte’s lure to prise those players away.
There is a new name on their growing list, as Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt has become the latest defender to be linked with a move. The Dutch centre-back, who cost the Turin giants close to €80 million in 2019, will not be an easy target to sign.
While he is visibly the third choice centre-back behind the legendary Italian pair of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, the Dutchman seemingly gets sufficient game time at the club. Yet, with the FIFA World Cup just a year away, he will want to play each week at a top-level club.
Signing the Dutchman will be a costly affair for Tottenham and the other clubs interested in signing him. With a contract at Juventus lasting until 2024, the Serie A side will possibly demand a record fee for their young defender. On the flipside, de Ligt could become the bedrock of a backline for the long-term at any club that signs him.
However, Spurs might find it difficult to lure de Ligt, considering the number of clubs keeping tabs on his situation at Juventus. Barcelona are one of the sides looking for a top draw centre-back in January or next summer, as new manager Xavi begins his rebuilding process.
There is also significant interest from Manchester City, who were keen on signing him even before he joined Juventus. De Ligt might evaluate his options if he decides to leave Juventus, although it remains an unlikely possibility in January.
Juventus are competing on all fronts, and despite having had to share game-time with Bonucci and Chiellini, de Ligt has still managed 12 appearances in Serie A this season. The Dutch international is an important part of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans this season and the possibility of the Bianconeri letting him leave mid-season remains distant.