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United join race for Matthijs de Ligt: Where’s the best fit?

By Isabel Crofts

Matthijs De Ligt of Juventus is seen in action during his warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match against Genoa CFC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. (Photo by Getty Images)
Matthijs De Ligt of Juventus is seen in action during his warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match against Genoa CFC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. (Photo by Getty Images) /
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Chelsea Thomas Tuchel
Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea celebrates with Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea after scoring during the Premier League match against Brentford at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images) /

Chelsea

Chelsea have made their interest in the Netherlands’ international clear in recent weeks and the London side have an evident gap to fill in defence after the departures of centre-backs Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid) and Andreas Christensen (Barcelona).

It’s said that club manager Thomas Tuchel prefers a swap deal, though, and is prepared to offer Juventus £38million and Timo Werner, with the possibility of Christian Pulisic being added into the deal, as per the Guardian.

However, the Serie A side are reportedly adamant about receiving cash only and their player’s release clause is set at £103m in his contract, which may be seen as too expensive on the back of the dissatisfying season De Ligt just completed.

What appeal do Chelsea provide Matthijs de Ligt?

Thomas Tuchel has worked his magic at Stamford Bridge from the moment he took over in January 2021; he led a 14-game unbeaten run in the Premier League from his appointment and led the team to FA Cup and Champions League finals.

His team defeated Manchester City 1-0 to etch their names onto possibly the most coveted trophy across football, making themselves known as European Champions.

The win then led to a successful streak for the Blues, as they also picked up the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, boosting Tuchel’s adoration among the Chelsea faithful.

Tuchel would look to fit De Ligt into his notorious three-man defence system and would likely play next to Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva, mixing youth with experience to create a fearsome back line.

He would also be positioned in front of world-class keeper Edouard Mendy, who is renowned for his shot-stopping ability, making Chelsea a force to be reckoned with in their defensive abilities.

What Chelsea can offer over Manchester United is the promise of playing Champions League football which, for a player of De Ligt’s ability and age, could be the decisive factor that turns him towards West London.

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