De Ligt finally reaches decision to end summer transfer saga

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According to De Telegraaf and Sky Sports Italy, Matthijs de Ligt will be joining Juventus having finally reached a decision on a summer move from Ajax.

Previously the subject of a multi-club tussle – including Liverpool, if claims are to be believed – the 19-year-old Dutchman looks like he’ll be making the move to the Italian champions.

The De Ligt transfer has been the hottest topic of this summer’s transfer window, but it seems like the story will be finalised shortly with the Bianconeri stealing a march on their rivals.

Barcelona were thought to be first in line for his signature, but that move has apparently been thrown into doubt after Mino Raiola demanded a mammoth agent’s fee that the Catalan club weren’t keen on.

De Telegraaf claim Juventus will shell out €70m (£62m) to buy De Ligt.

The Serie A side hope to complete a five-year contract and will be paying him between €15m (£13.4m) and €20m (£17.8m) per season.

After losing the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen talking to the 19-year-old.

The Ajax captain was asked by Dutch publication NOS if the fleeting exchange with Ronaldo was a charm offensive to get him to join him in Turin, to which De Ligt said: “That could well be true. 

“What I answered? I didn’t understand him at first. So I said… no, I didn’t say anything.

“I was a bit shocked, that’s why I laughed. But I didn’t say anything. Just after the game you just feel bad that you’ve lost, that’s all you’re thinking about.”

After Barcelona, PSG seemed second-favourites to land the in-demand centre-back, but De Telegraaf report that the situation has moved on and the Old Lady are now in pole position.

The Amsterdam-based outlet claim Mino Raiola has a solid connection with Juve and that good working relationship could be pivotal in them securing De Ligt.

In diametric opposition, the Reds have had a torrid time of it with Raiola which was one of the reasons we suggested a De Ligt move to Anfield would be complicated.

Realistically, that wasn’t even the most telling factor; while De Ligt would be a valuable addition to Jürgen Klopp’s backline, alongside Netherlands teammate Virgil van Dijk, we’re already well-stocked.

Joe Gomez’s return and an inspired Joël Matip, in front of Golden Glove winner Alisson Becker, means centre-back is far from a troubled position for us.

It never seemed likely we were going to pay exorbitant amounts for the Dutch defender with the quality options we have – instead, it will be about covering the full-back slots and signing that elusive, versatile attacker to play across the front three.

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