Italian outlet CalcioMercato report that Juventus center-back Matthijs De Ligt could join Liverpool this summer. Liverpool are planning to further strengthen their defense despite adding Ibrahim Konate last summer. And according to CalcioMercato De Ligt tops their priority list in the upcoming transfer window. However, this could be a piece of bad news for Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag who wanted the defender at Old Trafford. Ten Hag managed De Ligt at Ajax and it was his coaching that brought the best out of the Dutch international. The Manchester United manager was keen on a reunion with De Ligt who now seems closer to their rivals Liverpool.
CalcioMercato state that Liverpool’s interest in De Ligt ignited last week. Moreover, the Reds are ‘making concrete steps’ to land the 22-year-old at Anfield according to the report. Manchester United however are also still in the race with Ten Hag wanting to ring changes in the current backline. United’s Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane have massively underperformed this season forcing the club to consider new signings in the department. And with Ten Hag’s appointment, United grew optimistic about landing De Ligt. However, it seems highly unlikely now that the center-back ends up at united.
Liverpool leapfrog Manchester United in the race to sign De Ligt
De Ligt reportedly wants out of Juventus after failing to enjoy his game-time there. Further on, with Ten Hag arriving at United, it was being highly sensed that he would land De Ligt. However, Liverpool have upped their efforts and De Ligt fancies playing under Jurgen Klopp than at Manchester United. It is quite understandable since a lot has changed from Ten Hag and De Ligt’s time together at Ajax.
Manchester United need a massive overhaul before they can once again compete at the top level. Meanwhile, Liverpool are already fighting and winning titles which could attract De Ligt. The center-back is approaching the prime of his career and would want to lift trophies and play in the Champions League.
Liverpool can guarantee De Ligt both titles as well as Champions League football. Nonetheless, the Manchester United manager has always been an admirer of his former player who could play at Liverpool next season. Talking to TuttoSport after De Ligt’s move to Juventus, Ten Hag said,
“I always try to follow Matthijs and in general the players I coached. I am very proud of what he has been doing in these first months at Juventus and I am convinced that he will continue to grow from game to game.”
Ten Hag continued,
“I don’t know if De Ligt is now at 60, 70 or 80 per cent of his potential. But we are talking about one of the best defenders in Europe. I have no doubt that he will soon become number one in the world in the role”.
Manchester United will now have to find another target since Liverpool are favorites to land De Ligt. However, Liverpool will have to first convince Juventus who want to extend the center-back.
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