Rijo Sam Daniel
Matthijs de Ligt hints at Juventus departure amidst Manchester United transfer links
Matthijs de Ligt has suggested that he could leave Juventus amidst links to Manchester United on a potential transfer this summer. He has developed his game to become a world-class central defender since leaving Ajax to move to Italy back in 2019.
De Ligt is under contract at Allianz Stadium for two more years, but his future is currently in uncertain waters following his latest admission. Chelsea have expressed their interest in signing him ahead of the next season as they are desperate to bolster their backline due to the ongoing defensive exodus.
Speaking in an interview with Dutch news outlet NOS (h/t The Sun), the Dutchman has revealed that he is engaged in negotiations with Juve over a contract renewal at this moment. Interestingly enough, de Ligt expressed that he may still decide to leave this summer when the time arrives for a decision to be made.
“There are talks ongoing between me and Juventus. Once the right moment arrives, I will decide to extend or to look further.”
Should Man Utd target de Ligt?
The defence is one such area that the Red Devils must improve this summer if there are plans to challenge for titles moving forward. Our regulars like Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have all failed to convince fans in the last season, which calls for the need to bring in a world-class centre-half.
Varane had injury issues, in all fairness, while Lindelof did okay for a third-choice centre-back. Maguire, however, failed to impress in a United shirt for most phases over the course of last season. Eric Bailly, meanwhile, is far removed from first-team starts.
De Ligt, who was known for his leadership and technical abilities in the Netherlands, has improved quite a lot on his defensive attributes in Turin, making him one of the best in his positions in Serie A right now. More importantly, he is yet to reach his full potential, giving more incentives for Man United to target him ahead of the next campaign.
There are doubts among the fans whether the Manchester club would be an attractive proposition for the 22-year-old, especially when the Blues are very much eager to sign him this summer. Perhaps Erik ten Hag, who would love to have de Ligt, could push things in our favour due to him being the defender’s previous manager.
Then again, there are also concerns about if the Bianconeri would be willing to sell de Ligt considering how Giorgio Chiellini will leave them this summer. Furthermore, Leonardo Bonucci would need to be replaced shortly due to being in the latter stages of his playing career, adding to the doubts about the possibility of a potential transfer.
Fortunately, it is stated that Massimiliano Allegri’s side could decide to sell de Ligt if he refuses to pen a new deal with them. That could pave the way for us to make our case, although his contract coupled with the massive €120million release clause would be a steep challenge to overcome in our pathway.
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It is about time we get in a centre-back that can lead our backline in the short and the long term. de Ligt is a player ten Hag knows well and if he wants him here at Old Trafford, then our board would be wise to land the player.
