Odds Slashed On Matthijs De Ligt To Join Liverpool Instead Of Barcelona

Liverpool could snatch Ajax starlet Matthijs de Ligt from under Barcelona's noses this summer.

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on the 19-year-old to head to the Champions League winners in the transfer window.

According to Oddschecker, De Ligt's odds to sign for Liverpool have come crashing down from 20/1 to 4/1.

However, that doesn't mean that Barcelona aren't the heavy favourites to snap up one of the most sought-after young prospects in Europe.

Ajax are likely to fetch at least £60m for the dominant centre-back this summer.

After all, the Spanish club are currently sitting on 6/4 odds and Manchester United have drifted to 5/2 for some bookies.

One bookmaker, Paddy Power, has Liverpool on 10/3 while the Red Devils are 11/2 at the time of this writing.

Punters are also backing the 19-year-old Dutch centre-back to reveal his preferred destination is the Camp Nou, with 33 per cent placing their bets on Barcelona, 32 per cent on the Red Devils and 24 per cent on the Champions League holders.

"The sleeping giant has now unquestionably awoken and Liverpool are now one of the most revered clubs in Europe," says Oddschecker spokesman Callum Wilson.

"If they could capture the world's hottest defender to partner the imperious Virgil van Dijk, they could form the base for the Reds to dominate for the next decade."

De Ligt is currently on international duty with the Netherlands alongside fellow Dutchman Van Dijk, with Ronald Koeman's side taking on England in the Nations League semi-final at the Estádio D Afonso Henriques.

The Netherlands international is expected to make a decision on his future after the tournament, but he has received some advice from Koeman.

"I spoke to Matthijs one week ago about his future, and that's a secret," he said.

"What I told all the young players maybe thinking about making a step, the most important thing is to keep playing, keep getting minutes to develop your football.

"That's the most important thing. How the club is playing is also a reason to make a choice.

"He, his family, his agent and those around the player will make the best decision for the player."

Which club should De Ligt sign for in the summer?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Anfield, Matthijs de Ligt, Football, REds, Barcelona, Eredivisie, Premier League, Ajax, La Liga, Barca, Camp Nou

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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