Liverpool could seal the signing of Matthijs de Ligt in this transfer window after the Juventus defender’s contract talks stalled. The Italian giants are looking to cut costs this summer, which has resulted in de Ligt struggling to agree terms with the club on a new deal.
A number of top sides throughout Europe are ready to take advantage of this uncertainty and swoop in for the Dutchman. Liverpool are understood to be one of the frontrunners as they look to bolster their backline.
While the 22-year-old continues to negotiate with the Old Lady, Jurgen Klopp will monitor these proceedings. Panic has not set in in Turin just yet, but Juventus are eager to extend de Ligt beyond his existing contract that runs until 2024.
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Thus far, the defender has rejected these offers, sparking interest for him across the continent. Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Manchester United are the other clubs said to hold a serious interest.
De Ligt is demanding a lowering of his release clause if he is to put pen to paper at Juventus. It currently stands at €120 million, which will go up to €140 million next year.
The Netherlands international wants this lowered to as much as half of these two figures, but Juventus are unlikely to bow to these wishes.
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While Liverpool would face several hurdles in their attempts to secure the 6’2 centre-back’s services, they would at least be able to offer him the wages he currently earns- £10 million a year.
With Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez still all at the club, the Reds would also likely have to offload one of these players to make room for de Ligt. Nevertheless, Klopp is keen to lower the age profile of his squad and improve the quality of it at every opportunity.
De Ligt arrived in Turin in the Summer of 2019 for €75 million from Ajax, and has made 117 appearances for the Old Lady over 3 seasons at the club.
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Topics: Matthijs De Ligt, Liverpool, Juventus, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League
Alfie Culshaw