Matthijs de Ligt's £128m Juventus release clause, Chelsea's interest and Man Utd snub
The future of Matthijs de Ligt is set to be one
of next summer’s biggest transfer sagas, with the Juventus defender set to be available
to buy.
De Ligt has only spent two years with the perennial Serie A champions, but he has endured
a mixed time at the Allianz Stadium.
The Dutchman had been regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young defenders following his breakthrough
at Ajax, which saw him lead the club to the Champions League semi-finals.
His performances in the Netherlands, where he made 100 senior appearances before turning
20, earned him a move to Juventus for £67.5million.
Juventus were not the only team who made their interest in De Ligt clear when Ajax were ready
to sell.
Manchester United were also keen to bring in the Dutch star, but De Ligt turned them
down to move to Italy.
De Ligt has since revealed that Juventus’ confidence that could be a star, coupled with
some encouragement from Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately saw him snub the Red Devils.
“Of course, I had a lot of time to choose between the clubs I could join and, when I
put everything on paper, Juventus were the best choice for me,” he told Foot Truck
in April 2020.
“Ronaldo did speak to me and obviously it was a big honour.
Juventus told me ‘the reason we want to buy you is because you’re already mature
and you know how to handle pressure.’
“They also said to me it was difficult for a 19-year-old to go to another country, but
‘we have confidence in you and you’ll find your place soon.’”
£128m release clause.
De Ligt scored Juventus' winner against Spezia this week, but a release clause in his contract
could see him depart next summer
To add another level of intrigue to De Ligt’s situation in Italy, it emerged last week that
the defender had a £128m release clause in his contract.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, that clause will be activated at the end of
the season, though Juventus are hopeful of keeping him.
He does still have two years left on his contract at the Allianz Stadium, but the compartivley
cheap release clause compared to his standing in the game will certainly be of interest.
De Ligt’s agent, Mino Raiola has wasted no time in trying to drum up interest in his
client, heavily hinting he could be on the move.
“Pay attention because De Ligt could leave Juve at the end of the season.
That’s how the market works, there are many clubs interested in signing him,” Raiola
said.
Chelsea interest.
Thomas Tuchel is keen to bring De Ligt to Chelse
The news of that release clause will interest a range of clubs, not least Chelsea who appear
to be the frontrunners to sign the 22-year-old.
Thomas Tuchel has made signing a defender one of his top priorities for future transfer
windows, having failed with a bid to bring in Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
And according to Calciomercato, the Blues have changed the focus of their attentions
from Kounde to De Ligt.
The Dutchman is said to have impressed Tuchel with his technique and quality and is one
of Chelsea’s “first goals” for next summer’s transfer window.
De Ligt would certainly bring in the quality that Tuchel is looking for in defence, with
a number of his current first choices still having their future up in the air.