Barcelona have started preliminary talks to sign Matthijs de Ligt
Barcelona are preparing a move for one of the top prospects in European football.
There was a lot of media attention during the summer over whether Frenkie De Jong would join Barcelona, but his teammate Matthijs de Ligt could end up being the main target for the Catalans due to the urgent need for a right-footed centre-back to act as back-up to, and eventually replace, Gerard Pique.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are in talks with his agent Mino Raiola over a potential move, although it’s unlikely to happen until next summer due to him being an important player for Ajax. They have a strong chance of reaching the Champions League knockout stages based on their opening two games, so they will be determined to keep their squad together for that as well as mounting a challenge for the league.
Pique’s poor form this season has shown the urgent need for someone capable of coming in and replacing him during these periods. He hasn’t missed a minute of action this season, so this has potentially contributed to his errors. However, even if he recovers back to top form he has already declined from his peak. His problems dealing with players high up the pitch is only likely to get worse as he becomes even slower so the board is right to go after De Ligt because he can gradually take over the role in the next few seasons.
The Dutch defender has all the necessary attributes to succeed at Barcelona because he is relatively comfortable in 1v1 scenarios which can be common at Barca due to the high-risk nature of their style that means the defence play in a high line while also being a competent passer and capable aerially. It also has to be acknowledged that he is only 19-years-old so he will only get better if he keeps having consistent playing time.
De Jong is the ideal player to replace Sergio Busquets with due to his unique skillset that allows him to flourish in the defensive midfield role for a possession-based side. However, the centre-back position is a greater need currently. A double summer swoop would be ideal but that is dependent on Ajax and how much the players want to move because it’s likely that one of them would have to force a transfer.
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A centre-back duo of De Ligt and Samuel Umtiti could be a fearsome partnership as well as having a lot of longevity. Barcelona’s style is dependent on the defence being competent on the ball in order to aid build-up and ensure that play can gradually progress up the pitch. Against teams that press, willingness to be a passing option as well as being comfortable on the ball is needed while the deeper the defensive shape the more they are needed to break through opposition lines. De Ligt could certainly contribute successfully in these areas.