The leading man, the captain, the star of the show, Matthijs de Ligt is the talk of the European town after a scintillation performance against Juventus.
Ajax Amsterdam has surpassed all expectations after ruling out another European titan in the Champions League. On Tuesday night the Dutch side completed the two legs of the quarterfinals with a win over Christiano Ronaldo and the Juve firm.
The Old Lady had the advantage of an away goal and a home tie in the return leg. As it was scripted in the Champions League books, Ronaldo came up with the goods and fired the home side to a 1-0 lead and a 2-1 lead on aggregate.
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Sadly for the Italian side, this goal was cancelled out six minutes later by another Dutch star, Donny van de Beek. He levelled the playing field and handed Ajax the momentum going into the second half.
This is where the star of the show and the man who has motivated the Sons of Gods all the way to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, stepped up and gave his side the authority in the match. Matthijs de Ligt scored the only goal of the second half, which was also the winning goal of the match.
It was all but a formality that talks surrounding the player and a move away from the Johan Cruyff Arena picked after the upset in Turin. He was already on his way out, but this has just amplified the rumours.
Latest news gives clear indication his on his way out
There have been several links with the defender and a move to either the Spanish La Liga or the English Premier League. Of the clubs linked to the player there has really been two clubs mentioned day and night with a strong possibility to snatch up the centre back.
Barcelona and Liverpool, with the Spanish side leading the race. Reports surfaced the Calatan side has reached personal terms with them and will join his countryman Frenkie de Jong at the Camp Nou in the summer. However, the player nor Ajax have not confirmed any such rumour.
In saying this, the manager of the Dutch giants has confirmed his captain will move on in the summer in search of a new journey in his footballing career. But where he will be is yet to be decided.
Erik ten Hag had this to say to Suddeutschen Zeitung about the defender:
"There’s zero chance Matthijs de Ligt is staying at Ajax. There are so many clubs interested in him. He will leave us this summer, but I don’t know whether he’ll join Bayern or Barcelona. (via Sky Sports)"
This confirms the player will be draped in new club colours come next season. I would much like to see him in the English Premier League, based purely on his style of play. With Bayern knocking, where he ends up makes it hard to predict. Although, Virgil van Dijk or Frenkie de Jong could count as massive bargaining chips for the other two clubs in for him.