Reports: Another prodigy set to choose Barcelona after Frenkie De Jong
What's the story?
After the signing of Ajax midfield prodigy, FC Barcelona are willing to spend huge to secure the services of Ajax captain Matthijs De Ligt.
According to Netherlands' reputed outlet De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen, who was speaking on Radio Veronica, Matthijs De Ligt is set to choose Barcelona over Manchester City, PSG and Juventus like his friend Frenkie De Jong.
In case you didn't know...
The 19-year-old Dutch center back, has already garnered huge interests across all Europe due to his majestic performances for both Netherlands and Ajax. And it is no secret that besides Barcelona, giants like Paris Saint- Germain, and Manchester City were linked to sign the prodigy.
It is rare for a player of his age to show superior defensive abilities and composure on the ball. Moreover, De Ligt's calm nature at the back depicts why he is leading Ajax at such a young age. Matthijs De Ligt is a product of the famed Ajax Academy, which is one of the best in the world and produced some all time greats of generations.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are at the top of La Liga but they have conceded 21 goals in 20 matches played in the league. They are desperate to improve their rearguard to compete for every major silverware in the season.
The heart of the matter
It seems quite clear that Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and FC Barcelona are at war over the signing of Dutch prodigy just like Frenkie De Jong. De Ligt had continuously dismissed his move out of Ajax this season but the tug of war will continue in the summer.
According to the report, De Ligt, like his friend De Jong, have the task of choosing between Barcelona and other European giants and he is set to choose the Blaugrana than other European giants.
Barcelona's only problem in the transfer saga is De Ligt's agent, Mino Raiola who has a habit of demanding huge commission. Moreover, Barcelona will have to fork out huge amount to fend off interest from PSG, Manchester City and Juventus.
Rumor rating: 5.5/10
It is crystal clear that Barcelona's scout prefers the young defender to lead Barcelona's defences in future. Both the Dutch prodigies, Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs De Ligt, never hid their desire of playing together and it looks likely that he is set to leave Ajax sooner or later.
What's next?
It seems highly unlikely that De Ligt will leave Ajax in the January transfer window but he might consider his exit in the summer. Ajax will face Santiago Solari's Real Madrid in the next round of UEFA Champions League and there is no doubt that De Ligt will play a key role for Ajax in the defence.
Moreover, both City and PSG are under investigation from FIFA due to a reported breach in the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and regulation which might pave the way for De Ligt to Nou Camp.
Also see : Womens World Cup Bracket, Copa America Standings, Gold Cup Standings