Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt & Man United
It’s been a bit of a whirlwind regarding stories linking Man United with a summer swoop for Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt, 19, is a target for some of the biggest clubs in world football this summer after starring with Ajax in the Champions League.
On Saturday night, reports out of Spain claimed that Man United may have stolen pole position in the race to sign de Ligt.
One of the most reliable Barcelona journos reporting that Matthijs de Ligt is very close to signing for Man United. Not definite, but has received a VERY good offer https://t.co/8gz6WADPx5
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) May 25, 2019
Sky Sports: Man United aren’t signing Matthijs de Ligt
The Mirror on Sunday have since gone big on claims Man United are close to signing de Ligt.
The tabloid told their readers the following:
Manchester United have launched a £70million bid for Ajax’s brilliant young captain Matthijs de Ligt.
Sources in Holland last night suggested United have moved into pole position after agreeing to outbid any club and meet Mino Raiola’s demands for a £350,000-a-week wage and a huge fixer’s fee.
Man Utd set to financially out-muscle Barcelona in Matthijs De Ligt transfer battle after making £70million bidhttps://t.co/Tnpeed9mEC pic.twitter.com/qENUCXKA6X
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 25, 2019
On Sunday, however, Sky Sports have countered the claims that de Ligt may be Old Trafford bound.
The broadcaster has said that “Manchester United have ruled out a move for Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt.”
Manchester United have ruled out a move for Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt, according to Sky sources.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 26, 2019
BBC, ESPN & Gulliem Balague: De Ligt transfer updates
So what’s going on? Are Man United actually interested in de Ligt or not?
BBC reporter Simon Stone has questioned whether Man United have actually spoken about de Ligt, as suggested by Sky Sports.
While Stone expressed his view that Man United may be being used to “squeeze” more money of Barcelona, the journalist noted that he “wouldn’t expect United to say anything”.
Re De Ligt. Have a strong feeling Man Utd link being used to squeeze more out of Barca. Guardiola hinted in pre FA Cup final presser he was Barca bound. If Barca move already agreed, Utd (or anyone else) view of player irrelevant.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) May 26, 2019
Wouldn't expect Utd to say anything. If they say not interested (as can't get him) it seems like they don't rate him. If they say they are (and they can't get him) it looks like they missed out. Club are committed to strengthening OGS's squad. They want to be challenging again.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) May 26, 2019
Writing for ESPN, reporter Mark Ogden has also doubted whether Man United will sign de Ligt:
Manchester United expect top summer target Matthijs de Ligt to resist their advances and complete a move to Barcelona, with Old Trafford sources having told ESPN FC they believe the Spanish champions struck an agreement with the Ajax captain two months ago.
Utd fear the worst on De Ligt, with Barca having had him tied up for two months https://t.co/efmQhX9eVU
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) May 26, 2019
As for Spanish football expert Gulliem Balague, he’s acted without surprise to Sky Sports’ report.
Balague has previously reported that the three clubs trying to sign the Dutch teenager are Barcelona, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
As we discussed… https://t.co/2K4KAS6SW5
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) May 26, 2019
Naive fans when they don't like to hear something that upsets them
🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/dt5iAhCVIT
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) May 26, 2019
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