Liverpool have been linked with a move for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.
The Lowdown: De Ligt impressing at Juve
The 22-year-old has been considered one of the world’s leading young centre-backs for an extended period now, having burst onto the scene for Ajax back in 2o18/19, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals.
De Ligt is now impressing at Juve, making 30 Serie A appearances this season and even being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by Edwin van der Sar, in terms of his mentality.
Th £63million-rated Dutchman may not be out of contract until 2024 but that hasn’t stopped an exit rumour from doing the rounds.
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The Latest: Liverpool linked with move
According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Juve have to ‘watch out’ for interest from Premier League clubs, with Liverpool name-checked in the report.
De Ligt has ‘no plans to leave’ the Turin giants currently, however, so it does appear as though a transfer is unlikely to materialise, but the outlet seems fearful of interest from the Reds.
The Verdict: Is he needed?
While De Ligt is a fantastic defender who most clubs in Europe would want – he’s been called ‘incredible’ by Andrea Barzagli – Liverpool simply have no reason to need him at the moment.
In Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate, Jurgen Klopp has three outstanding centre-backs at his disposal, while Joe Gomez also remains a great option, despite injury problems.
Further down the line, De Ligt could be a perfect signing for Liverpool – Van Dijk and Matip both turn 31 this year – but he may have moved elsewhere by the time the Reds duo are no longer at their best.
In other news, a journalist says there is ‘strong interest’ in one Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.