July 18 – Everyone wanted him but Italian champions Juventus have got him. Matthijs de Ligt, perhaps the best young defender in European football, has signed from Ajax for €75 million.
The 19-year-old Dutch international defender had also been linked with Manchester United, Barcelona and , especially, Paris-St Germain but has signed a five-year contract with the Serie A giants.
De Ligt helped Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals last season having become their youngest captain in March 2018. He made his debut for the Netherlands in March 2017, having started only two league games for Ajax at the time.
Reports suggest that with various add-ons, the full package could cost Juve champions €195 million.
De Ligt’s signing is a huge statement for Juventus who last year signed Cristiano Ronaldo for €100 million and have spent a further €60m million during this summer.
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