Transfer News: Chelsea likeliest destination for Liverpool target Matthijs de Ligt
According to Italian outlet Il Corriere dello Sport (h/t Liverpool Echo), Chelsea are the most likeliest destination for Liverpool target Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender has been linked with a move to Anfield in a move that may not really make sense to many LFC fans- not unless at least one of our senior defenders leaves the club.
The Italian giants have placed a €120million release clause in his contract, a figure that de Ligt wants reduced. However, it is claimed that the negotiations are now put on hold between the player and the Bianconeri.
It isn’t a surprise that Chelsea are touted as the most likely destination for the former Ajax Amsterdam defender. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will leave the club as free agents this summer.
Thiago Silva is ageing and Thomas Tuchel starts one more centre-back in his formation as compared to Jurgen Klopp. The Reds currently boast one of the strongest defensive line-ups in Europe.
de Ligt to Chelsea or Liverpool?
Virgil van Dijk is partnered by Joel Matip on a regular basis in the Premier League while young Frenchman Ibrahima Konate has partnered the imperious Dutchman in cup games, most notably in the UEFA Champions League.
One of England’s most talented defenders, Joe Gomez, is struggling to get playing time amidst this while players like Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips had to be loaned out in the latest season. So considering all these points, where does de Ligt fit?
Perhaps nowhere right now. But in case one of our first-team defenders leave in the future, the Dutchman could be a very able replacement. Gomez. for one, is already linked with a move to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa as early as last month.
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Matip isn’t getting younger and neither is VVD. Perhaps the Reds are planning for the future way in advance but it is best to see what happens to de Ligt’s supposed release clause before the club takes any step.
