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Matthijs De Ligt Set To Sign For Barcelona

Matthijs De Ligt Set To Sign For Barcelona

The Ajax star looks set to follow fellow Dutch compatriot Frenkie de Jong in moving to the La Liga champions this summer.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Barcelona are set to sign youngster Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax, despite huge interest from Premier League clubs according to reports from England.

The highlight for many this season in the Champions League was the re-emergence of Ajax as a major player in European football, as they beat Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the semi final.

Like with many clubs in recent times that have excited with their style of play and young up and coming players the fear has been that after one brilliant season the Dutch side would be split up.

Earlier this season Barcelona announced that they would sign midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the summer and many expect that more names will leave the Johan Cruyff arena.

It's been reported that Hakim Ziyech will follow De Jong to the exit door and Matthijs de Ligt has been rumoured to also be leaving in the summer.

Barcelona have been heavily linked whilst there's also been reports that Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all shown interest.

However, on Monday, Sky Sports reported that despite the Premier League clubs wanting to sign the 19 year old defender he will move to Barcelona this summer.

De Ligt celebrates scoring in the Champions League semi final. Image: PA Images
De Ligt celebrates scoring in the Champions League semi final. Image: PA Images

Barcelona have been busy in recent years trying to freshen up their centre backs with Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano leaving in recent years and Gerard Pique now 32.

De Ligt could be their first choice centre back for the next 15 years and already has an impressive body of work behind him after this year's Champions League campaign.

The news will come as a huge blow to his Premier League suitors. Liverpool were hoping to pair him with fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk, City need to replace Vincent Kompany and United have been a shambles at the back this season.

De Jong and De Ligt look set to continue as teammates. Image: PA Images
De Jong and De Ligt look set to continue as teammates. Image: PA Images

Barcelona once again won La Liga this season, and could still make it a domestic double with the Copa del Rey final to come, but Ernesto Valverde's side once again suffered humiliation in the Champions League.

Last season the Catalan giants threw away a three goal lead against Roma in the quarter finals and this season they repeated the trick in the semis against Liverpool.

Barca will be hoping that the additions of the two surprise Champions League stars will help their underperforming stars win the competition once again.

Will Ajax lose any more players?

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