DBasia.news – Not satisfied with only recruiting Frenkie de Jong from Ajax Amsterdam next summer, Barcelona also targeted his Ajax teammate, Matthijs de Ligt.
Recognized by Josep Maria Bartomeu, President of Barcelona, the club did enter the Dutch center-back’s name into the list of targeted players. Not only De Ligt, but also other talented young talents.
“His name (De Ligt) is on the list (players). Where there are talented talents away from Barcelona, we always monitor them,” Bartomeu said, as reported by Goal.
“That is the topic that will be discussed in our sports plan that starts in March, with De Jong we feel we have moved quickly as there are many clubs who want him,” he continued.
De Ligt, 19, has proven the quality and strong character he has with Ajax by taking on the responsibility of being a captain. Most recently, De Ligt helped Ajax qualify for the last eight of the Champions League by eliminating defending champions three times in a row, Real Madrid, on aggregate goals 5-3.
The director of Ajax Sports, Marc Overmars, understands the many interests of European clubs to De Ligt.
“For me, De Ligt can play easily for one of the six best teams in the world. Right now, he has strength, mentality. He has a heart (passion to play). If I work for another club, I want to immediately recruit him.” concluded Overmars.