Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur to target Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus amidst unrest
According to Football Insider (h/t ESPN), Tottenham Hotspur are interested in getting the services of the Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt amidst unrest. They are looking at options to strengthen the backline and have identified him as a possible option.
The 22-year-old had moved from Ajax to Turin for €75m in 2019 following a great Champions League campaign. He had some trouble initially but has adapted to the league and remains one of the most talented defenders in the world.
However, de Ligt has grown frustrated in recent times and is looking for a move elsewhere. He was not used in any of the high profile matches in Seria A by Massimiliano Allegri and was only a substitute in the game against Napoli.
Several clubs across Europe are keeping tabs on the current situation to price him away should the opportunity arise. However, his release clause would be a massive roadblock in the way to getting him to England.
With a clause worth €150m it will be tough for Spurs to get his signature without paying a high sum. Even with Fabio Paratici as the Managing Director, it would be challenging to get the job done for cheap.
Since Antonio Conte wants a centre-back to bolster the defence, other targets have been lined up for a future move. Stefan de Vrij of Inter Milan is one of them, and he would be much more feasible since a transfer fee of around €30m would be enough to finalise a deal.
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While the cost needs consideration, the Dutchman is one for the long term and is a leader at the back. As a youngster, he was named the captain of the Ajax side that had that incredible CL run but ultimately fell at the hands of a Lucas Moura hat-trick. He would be great to pair with Cristian Romero, who is slowly yet steadily finding his stride.
