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Juventus Transfers: Who could sign Matthijs de Ligt in 2022?

By James Cormack

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 24: Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus smiles during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 24, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/CPS Images/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 24: Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus smiles during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 24, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/CPS Images/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona

Could this reunion take place in Catalonia? (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Could this reunion take place in Catalonia? (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

I don’t know where Barcelona are getting their cash from, but Raiola seemed confident that La Blaugrana would be able to finance a move for his client.

“Barcelona will always remain one of the biggest clubs in the world despite their current form. You will know that within one or two years they will be back again,” he said. Tuttosport (via @JuveFC) added that Barça have spoken to Juventus about De Ligt.

The Xavi-led Catalans are in dire need of a cornerstone-type of centre-half and De Ligt would be the perfect option. Gerard Pique is now 34, Samuel Umititi is perpetually unfit, Eric Garcia has been a poor addition, while Clement Lenglet has failed to reach the heights of 2019/20.

Still, despite Raiola’s optimism, it’s hard to envisage Barcelona being able to afford the 22-year-old Dutchman as early as next summer.

Likelihood of De Ligt joining Barcelona: 3/10

Real Madrid

Real Madrid doesn’t appear to be a feasible option. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Real Madrid doesn’t appear to be a feasible option. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

At this stage, it seems unlikely that Real Madrid will target De Ligt next summer. While they lack depth at centre-back, Eder Militao has blossomed into one of Europe’s best and summer arrival David Alaba has rapidly found his feet in the Spanish capital.

Instead, Los Blancos are hopeful of picking up Chelsea’s Rudiger on a free next summer to support the aforementioned pair. The German will likely garner a hefty salary should he join Real, as will Kylian Mbappe if he makes his inevitable move in 2022.

Thus, De Ligt doesn’t appear to be an option for Real.

Likelihood of De Ligt joining Real Madrid: 1.5/10

Paris Saint-Germain

Matthijs de Ligt could replace Presnel Kimpembe in Paris. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images )
Matthijs de Ligt could replace Presnel Kimpembe in Paris. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images ) /

Paris Saint-Germain will always be involved in discussions such as these and Raiola cited the Parisian giants as one of De Ligt’s potential options.

Despite their infinite wealth, a pursuit of De Ligt is only feasible if Presnel Kimpembe departs. The French defender will return a healthy fee should he leave, with Chelsea listed as one of the PSG defender’s potential destinations. He’s certainly a better fit in Thomas Tuchel’s back three than De Ligt, who’ll likely be forced to play on the left of the three should he move to Stamford Bridge.

However, outside of Kimpembe and superb skipper Marquinhos, it’s fair to say that PSG’s centre-back options are scarce despite the arrival of Sergio Ramos in the summer. The Spaniard has since struggled for fitness, with Mauricio Pochettino occasionally forced to use midfielder Danilo Pereira in defence.

Thus, PSG might be a team to keep an eye on in the potential De Ligt sweepstake next summer.

Likelihood of De Ligt joining PSG: 4/10

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