According to ESPN's own 'club sources', Barcelona are 'close to reaching an agreement to sign defender Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax'. The Catalans are confident in the signing but are not in a hurry to announce the deal as they respect the Dutch club. Ajax want their players to be fully focused on the current season and think about their future later.
It is reported that despite the confirmed interest from Bayern and Juventus, De Ligt's only intention is to play for Barcelona. ESPN's source claims that 'as was the case with Frenkie de Jong, Ajax will warn [Barca] if any other clubs make a serious move for [De Ligt].'
Barcelona are likely to pay approximately €80 million for Ajax academy graduate. This transfer forces Barca to sell several players with the likes of Samuel Umtiti, Malcom, Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez being linked with a summer departure.
Earlier, Barcelona director Guillermo Amor has all but confirmed De Ligt's transfer. "He’s a player of Ajax and we respect the club. We don’t talks about players from other teams although I know where he will play next year," Amor said.
What are your thoughts on De Ligt's move?
