Barcelona set to miss out on second top target in a row as PSG swoop in
Barcelona looking at a hectic summer with no signing yet to be completed
After losing out on priority target for the centre-forward position, Luka Jović, Barcelona are set to miss out on a second top target. Paris Saint-Germain have swept in at the last moment, and have offered Matthijs de Ligt a huge pay package.
Barça had sealed an agreement with Ajax, setting the fee at €75 million. Club representatives had also been in negotiations with De Ligt’s agent Mino Raiola, offering a €5-7 million yearly salary. But Paris Saint-Germain have outmatched the Catalans on both counts.
PSG have submitted an offer of €80 million, plus €10 million in variables, to Ajax. They have also offered De Ligt €15 million per season. Moreover, PSG’s new sporting director Leonardo shares a very good relationship with Raiola, unlike Éric Abidal.
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This means that Paris Saint-Germain are firmly ahead in the race for De Ligt’s signature. Barça have led the race for over half a year as clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester City have pulled out. But PSG’s resolve may see them bring in one of the best young defenders in Europe.
Barça should look at alternative options now. Of course, the club can go for a low-profile centre-back as Samuel Umtiti has decided against leaving. But ideally, Barça should sign a player who can succeed Gerard Piqué in the first-team.
Next. Youngster to replace Semedo in first-team squad. dark
Players like that include RB Leipzig starlet Ibrahima Konaté, Benfica youngster Rúben Dias, Chelsea star Andreas Christensen and Bayer Leverkusen first-choice centre-back Jonathan Tah. Now, the Barça management must decide which route to take.