Manchester City are plotting a move for AFC Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. According to recent reports, the Citizens are set to battle with Manchester United and Arsenal in pursuit of the Dutch wonderkid. It is being reported that the Premier League champions-elect have gotten in touch with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a transfer in the near future. The Netherlands international is regarded as one of the best centre-back prospects in world football and his brilliant performances for Ajax have alerted some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Some sources are claiming that Barcelona have a good relationship with Ajax and are keen on acquiring de Ligt’s services while Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation at the Johan Cruijff Arena. However, he won’t come cheap after the Dutch Eredivisie sold de Ligt’s former central defensive partner Davinson Sanchez for £40m last summer.
City have shown in the past that they are not afraid to splash the cash and could look to make a big-money move next summer. Pep Guardiola is not a manager who hesitates to give his young players a chance in the first-team so a move to the Etihad Stadium might not be a bad option for the player.
Manchester City are currently leading the Premier League table with a tally of 72 points in 27 league matches. They are firmly in the driver’s seat as they look to earn another league title at the top tier of English football with a staggering 16 point lead over their crosstown rivals Manchester United. Pep Guardiola’s side are still participating in three different competitions, having already secured qualification to the final of the Carabao Cup while also looking set to go through to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The potential addition of de Ligt will undoubtedly bolster Pep Guardiola’s defensive options going into the next campaign.
City have the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Vincent Kompany vying for a place in Guardiola’s starting eleven. Hence, a move for le Ligt could provide more competition for places and get the best out of these players in the coming years. The 18-year-old has featured in 29 matches for Ajax this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists in all competitions. He also has three international caps to his name.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of the Dutch youngster and whether he ends up making a move to the Premier League in the near future.
