In a recent report by Corriere dello Sport (as tweeted by reliable Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio), Roberto Perrone revealed that the bomb exploded yesterday during a meeting between Juventus’ officials and Matthijs de Ligt’s lawyer Rafaela Pimenta.
Matthijs de Ligt’s current contract at the Allianz Stadium runs until 2024; however, Juventus want to extend his stay till 2026. The club also wants to insert a €115 million release clause into the new deal while reducing his salary significantly. On the other hand, the centre-back wishes to have his release clause reduced to €80 million with no wage cuts.
“De Ligt wants the Premier League,” the report read.
“No to renewal … the Dutchman has asked for a transfer.
“Matthijs De Ligt, the most expensive defender in Italian football, wants a change of scene.”
“The positions are too distant,”
“The Dutchman has asked for a transfer, and now Chelsea and Manchester United are in pole position.”
As a result, Manchester United have been put on red alert as Erik Ten Hag seems keen on adding to options in defence ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Having come through the ranks at Dutch club Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt signed for Serie A giants Juventus in the summer of 2019 for a fee in the region of £77 million. Over the course of the last four years, the Netherlands international has made 117 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring eight goals and assisting three more across all competitions.
Even last season, he managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board as he averaged 1.1 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 3.1 clearances, 0.7 blocks, and 3.3 long balls per ninety minutes in the Italian top-flight. The 22-year-old centre-half has seen the last two league titles go to AC Milan and Inter Milan as Juventus have struggled to exert their dominance domestically; however, there’s no doubt that he is still capable of performing brilliantly at the top level.
Dream Option For Ten Hag?
The lack of quality in either centre-back position caused immense damage to Manchester United’s ambitions last season, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof dropping average performances even on their best day. It’s beyond doubt that the Red Devils need to upgrade their options in defence to try and solve their issues at the back – and Matthijs de Ligt fits the bill.
His move to the Old Trafford will mean that he instantly competes with Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane for a position in the starting eleven.
At 22, the Dutch ace has some of the best years ahead of him, so it won’t be a surprise if United break the bank to secure his signature in the coming days.
(Stats from WhoScored)
