De Ligt to snub Man Utd for Juventus in £62m move and end transfer saga
MATTHIJS de LIGT looks set to conclude a summer transfer saga as he has made his mind up as to where he wants to play his football next season. And Manchester United look set for heartache with Juventus his next destination, according to reports in Holland. The Ajax defender – who was instrumental in his […]
MATTHIJS de LIGT looks set to conclude a summer transfer saga as he has made his mind up as to where he wants to play his football next season.
And Manchester United look set for heartache with Juventus his next destination, according to reports in Holland.
The Ajax defender – who was instrumental in his side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last term – has the pick of plenty of top European clubs this summer.
United have been harbouring a serious interest, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ready to overhaul his squad of struggling stars and he has made strengthening his defence a priority.
SunSport revealed earlier this week that Barcelona are keeping tabs, while talks have been held with Juve.
But Dutch paper De Telegraaf claim De Ligt has chosen his next club and he is closing in on a move to Turin, although he is currently on holiday after taking part in the inaugural UEFA Nations League.
The report suggests that negotiations with Barca had reached a deadlock and so he looked elsewhere.
Paris Saint-Germain had also been in the hunt, but the player and his agent, Mino Raiola, were swayed by eight-in-a-row Serie A champions.
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It is thought a deal could reach as much as £62m as Juve look set to make a statement of intent in the transfer window.
The Italian powerhouse unveiled Maurizio Sarri this week as their new manager and the former Chelsea boss admitted it will be a “step up” from his time at the helm at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “Juve are the best Italian club right now and offered me a chance to return to Italy. It’s the crowning achievement of a long career.
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“It’s been a long journey for me made up of gradual steps. I’m happy to be at the most important team in Italy and this is a further step forward after the experience at Chelsea.
“I preferred to go abroad to avoid going from one Italian team to another. The Premier League experience was amazing, but for family reasons I desired go back to Italy.
“The opportunity was given by Juventus and it is I think also the climax of the career. I feel I have respected everybody.”