De Ligt’s Barca deal could stall over Raiola’s ban
MADRID: Barcelona are ‘one step away’ from signing Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt and only unforeseen events will prevent the deal going through. And, according to Marca,
the transfer is only being held up by uncertainty around the position of De Ligt’s agent, Mino Raiola.
The Dutchman has been banned for three months by Fifa and the Italian Football Federation and this could affect a number of high-profile summer deals.
It is unclear who will manage Raiola’s clients this summer and whether his ban will prove a sticking point. In addition, Barcelona as a club don’t have a good relationship with Raiola.
Having already signed midfielder Frenkie de Jong from the Champions League semi-finalists, Barcelona appear close to getting captain and centre-back De Ligt as well.
Barcelona require a long-term successor to Gerard Pique and Holland international De Ligt, only 19, would be the ideal option.
De Ligt’s salary has already been agreed as part of Barcelona’s policy, introduced two years ago, to complete their transfer business before the official window opens.
It’s likely De Ligt would be involved in the Barca first team from the outset amid doubts at the progress shown by Samuel Umtiti.
The Dutch teenager is coveted by a host of elite European clubs after an outstanding breakout season in Amsterdam.
De Ligt has shown no fear on club football’s biggest stage this season, leading Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals, where they were beaten in dramatic circumstances by Tottenham.
The teenager has also formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk in the Holland team.
Barcelona will overhaul their squad this summer having exited the Champions League in humiliating circumstances to Liverpool.