De Ligt responds to Raiola’s Barcelona & Madrid transfer plans
Carlo Garganese
- 1 Mar 2022 11:55 GMT
- 3 min read
Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt has played down talk of a summer move to Barcelona or Real Madrid following comments from his agent Mino Raiola.
Raiola remarked in December that De Ligt was ready for the “next step” in his career this summer and namechecked both Barcelona and Real Madrid as a possible destination.
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“I think we all know which clubs to mention for Matthijs de Ligt as a ‘next step’. We will see this summer,” Raiola told NOS.
“Premier League? It can be Barcelona too, or Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.”
This caused a furious reaction from Juventus and their manager Max Allegri, with Raiola accused of trying to destabilise his client.
De Ligt has now played down Raiola’s comments and insists that he is happy at Juventus.
What did De Ligt say?
“We are still fighting on three fronts and I am really enjoying myself here,” De Ligt told Rondo.
“I notice that I learn more every week and I really like that. What Mino said was already three months ago; in that time, so much can change… At the moment, I’m just fully focused on this season.”
De Ligt’s contract at Juventus expires in 2024, which means that Juventus may start to consider a sale to protect his value if he doesn’t sign a new contract this summer.
The Dutchman has a release clause in his contract worth €120 million, which is set to rise to €140m later this year.
De Ligt has emerged as Juventus’ key defender this season with veterans Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci often injured.
“I notice that the club is giving me more and more responsibility,” De Ligt added.
“Now Chiellini and Bonucci are struggling with injuries, so I have even more pressure on my shoulders, but I like it. I’ve noticed that I can play an important role.”
