Bombshell: €80 million defender requests for transfer, United “in pole position” to sign

Bombshell: €80 million defender requests for transfer, United “in pole position” to sign

According to a recent top page report from Italy, Classy Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt wants to play in the Premier League and has asked to leave Juventus.

De Ligt joined the Old Lady from Ajax for a record €85 million in 2019 despite stiff competition for his signature.

Manchester United  was said to be one of the clubs interested in the centre back at the time.

Transfer guru Gianluca di Marzio tweeted the claim by Corriere dello Sport’s Roberto Perrone late last night.

“De Ligt wants the Premier League,” the headline reads.

“No to renewal … the Dutchman has asked for a transfer.

“Matthijs De Ligt, the most expensive defender in Italian football, wants a change of scene.”

#RassegnaStampa | Le #PrimePagine sportive dei quotidiani in edicola venerdì 24 giugnohttps://t.co/piTR5IEwCn

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) June 23, 2022

According to the article, “the bomb exploded yesterday” during a meeting between Juve executives and lawyer Rafaela Pimenta, who has taken over the business of late superagent Mino Raiola and now represents Paul Pogba.

The expected arrival of Paul Pogba in Turin is one reason Juve needs to balance the budget, with the same publication conceding that outgoings are necessary.

“The positions are too distant,” the report continues.

“The Dutchman has asked for a transfer and now Chelsea and Manchester United are in pole position.”

De Ligt is unhappy with his €115 million release clause and has requested that it be reduced to €80 million, but Juventus has refused.

There’s also the question of the player’s income, which is presently €8 million per year plus up to €4 million in bonuses, but Juve is asking players to take a pay cut to bring their earnings in line with the new salary cap restrictions.

The alarming analysis finds that a number in the neighbourhood of €80 million could grant the 22-year-old his wish, but the question is if any team in the current financial context can afford it.

De Ligt’s talent and maturity were evident from an early age, as he won the Golden Boy award in 2018 and was the youngest captain in Ajax’s history.

With two years remaining on his contract, Juve is not under much pressure to sell, but it may prefer to do so rather than keep a disgruntled player and wait another year when buying clubs will have the upper hand in negotiations.

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Bombshell: €80 million defender requests for transfer, United “in pole position” to sign