According to a report in the English outlet Metro, Barcelona have begun talks to sign Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt. de Ligt, a center back, is one of the most promising players in Europe currently and various clubs around Europe like Manchester City and Tottenham have been linked to him. The report in Metro which is quotes Mundo Deportivo as the source also claims that Barcelona will have to shell out at least €70 million (£61m) after add-ons and bonuses.
Transfer Rumour Reliability
Mundo Deportivo is the source of this transfer rumour and the Spanish outlet are a Tier 3 source in our Football Transfer Sources Reliability Guide. A Tier 3 source is not very reliable but generally do not report a rumour without any substance.
If Barcelona do sign de Ligt, he would be the perfect long term replacement for Gerard Pique. Any player who comes through the Ajax academy will fit in with Barcelona easily as both the clubs share a common philosophy on how football has to be played. Barcelona are also rumoured to be looking at another young star at Ajax, Frenkie de Jong. The fact that Barcelona are looking at signing youngster from Ajax is a reminder of the dearth of talent coming through from La Masia.
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