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What's the story?
Barcelona is continuously working on securing a move for Ajax captain, Matthijs De Ligt, for the coming summer.
According to the Spanish media outlet, Sport, De Ligt already gave the green signal for the move and the Barcelona board are currently set to offer De Ligt a five-year deal, which will bind him at the Nou Camp till 2024.
In case you didn't know...
Matthijs De Ligt is a product of the famed Ajax Academy, which is one of the best in the world and has produced some all-time greats. Known for his superior defensive abilities, De Ligt portrays calm and composure at the rear, with astounding leadership skills.
The 19-year-old Dutch prodigy has proven his potential against top opponents for both Ajax & the Netherlands this campaign and has already garnered huge interest across Europe. Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, admitted that De Ligt is on their shortlist recently.
De Ligt is already leading Ajax despite being just 19 years old, and the Dutch side is on the path to a rare treble just like Barcelona. Teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Juventus have failed to win against the Dutch side this campaign.
The heart of the matter
After having already secured Frenkie De Jong, De Ligt's teammate, in the January transfer window, the Blaugrana hierarchy are speeding up negotiations to close the deal for De Ligt. The Catalan giants are confident that the Ajax defender will choose Barcelona, just like his teammate.
According to the report, the Catalan giants will offer De Ligt the same salary as De Jong in a deal which expires in 2024. De Ligt has given his blessings and Barcelona will send the contract to the player and his agent, before sending a formal offer to Ajax.
Barcelona realizes that De Ligt is a massive signing for the future and will cost around €60 million.
Rumour rating: 6.5/10
It is crystal clear that Barcelona's scouts prefer the young defender to lead Barcelona's defence in future.
Sport is reliable when it comes to matters regarding Barcelona and De Ligt is likely to choose the Nou Camp as his next destination.
What's next?
Ajax will take on Juventus in the 2nd leg of the quarterfinals in the Champions League next week, which is evenly poised at 1-1.
