Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt could be about to have his release clause lowered after reports suggest Liverpool have targeted him.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano. The journalist took to Twitter to claim that de Ligt is progressing in talks over a new deal at Juve.
That could obviously be bad news for any prospective buyers, such as Liverpool. The good news, however, is that his release clause of £100m could reportedly be lowered in the process.
Talks are claimed to be ‘set to continue’ to extend his current terms beyond 2024.
Liverpool chasing de Ligt
This could be relevant to Liverpool if reports from Italy yesterday are to be taken at face value.
Calciomercato claimed that The Reds are ‘thinking about’ making a move for de Ligt while the uncertainty over his contract remains.
It would be a sensational move for Liverpool to attempt to partner the 22-year-old with Virgil Van Dijk. The two are often paired together with the Dutch national team, so a move would surely appeal to the player.
Beyond that, it doesn’t feel like a transfer that The Reds would pursue. It has only been three years since de Ligt signed for Juventus for £67.5m.
Even if a release clause was significantly lower than the current £100m, it would still be massive outlay for Liverpool. That isn’t the kind of business Liverpool usually do under Jurgen Klopp.
Having said that, they will make exceptions for a special player. de Ligt has stuttered a little at Juve but he is still a phenomenal talent and is still yet to turn twenty-three.
If there is a chance he is available, it would make sense to look to him as a long-term successor for his countryman Van Dijk. We won’t hold our breath on this one, though.
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