Matthijs de Ligt opens up about Barcelona transfer rumors

Barcelona have been linked with many center-backs from last season and their president, Joan Laporta, even made it clear that the club needs a new center-back. Players like Samuel Umtiti, Gerard Pique, and Clement Lenglet are no longer as consistent as they used to be and the team has to rely on youth players such as Ronald Araujo and Oscar Mingueza. Thus when Matthijs de Ligt was thrown into the transfer rumors, Barcelona fans were really hoping that they would be able to get a solid experienced center-back. However, that may not be the case.

More from Everything Barca

While Araujo and Mingueza have done wonders for the club, the club needs a more experienced player to give them the leadership and guidance that they require. Eric Garcia from Manchester City is almost a done deal but a player like De Ligt would bring in the leadership that they are missing. The Juventus player has played in the top divisions of football for four seasons now and he has been the number one choice for Juve for two seasons. This season he was not at his best owing to a shoulder injury and the coronavirus however, he ended up with 36 games in all competitions.

Matthijs de Ligt reponds to Barcelona links

The player is a physically strong and solid player plus his age is a huge advantage. He already has a relationship with Koeman and his former teammate Frenkie de Jong would have made sure that his transition into the team would be a smooth one however, it seems like this transfer rumor will remain as a rumor as the former Ajax man made his loyalty towards the Old Lady quite clear. In an interview with ESPN, he said,

"“I feel good on the pitch and appreciated. Would they let me go? There are plenty of clubs that have money problems, but you should ask the club.”“I don’t know. These [Barcelona rumors] make no sense now. That is not important to me and nobody has informed me about it.”Source Goal"

He went on to say that it has been a difficult season for him physically as well as mentally due to his muscle injury as well as the virus. However, he is determined to complete his contract with the Turin side. His contract runs till 2024 and with the recent announcement of Massimiliano Allegri back into the side, De Ligt is confident that the club can make a huge comeback next season.

This is a big blow for Barcelona fans who would have loved to have the young superstar in their squad. Now they must look for a center back elsewhere or stick with what they have got. Araujo and Mingueza have already proven their worth and if Garcia can show his true potential as well, they will have back three sorted out and a new center-back will no longer be a necessity.

dark. Next. 5 Managers That Joan Laporta Has Shortlisted For Barcelona

Would you want Barca to push hard for Matthijs de Ligt?

Home/FC Barcelona News