Matthijs de Ligt was once considered one of the top defenders in the world and would have been in any teams wish list entering the offseason. Well, de Ligt might just be sending team’s a green flag to get his services since it is reported that the Juventus defender wants out of the Italian old lady.
Matthijs de Ligt has struggled with injuries and has been in and out of the Juventus lineup, despite that he still managed to play 26 games this season and 29 the year before. According to a Catalan radio station, de Ligt has stated he is unhappy at Juventus and is considering a move to Spain.
The radio station indicated that the club looking to sign the Netherlands defender is none other than Barcelona. Here is what would need to happen in order for Matthijs de Ligt to sign with Barcelona.
Report: Matthijs de Ligt to Barcelona
Barcelona’s economic woes are well known the world over, and with Matthijs de Ligt having three more years on his Juventus contract the chances that Barca pays the transfer fee seems very remote.
Matthijs de Ligt on the other hand is reported to have spoken to Netherland’s teammate Frenkie de Jong about a move to Barcelona. de Jong would lobby for de Ligt to get through the door at Barcelona.
While a transfer looks slim, a loan or even a player swap could be in the cards, Barcelona and Juventus have done “trades” before, although Barcelona could lose a key player for the swap to make any sense.
With Ronald Koeman’s future in doubt and Messi’s contract looming, don’t count on Barcelona making any significant moves without those key pieces in place. As for Juventus, the Turin club is also foggy as to what their future will hold as Andrea Pirlo’s future is also in doubt.
In the meantime, Matthijs de Ligt is in the preliminary squad for the Netherlands to play in the Euro’s. A good showing may open the doors to a move out of Turin or change his fortunes at Juventus looking ahead to next season.
