Manchester United and Barcelona transfer target Matthijs de Ligt has said he will make a decision on his future after the Netherlands’ upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, but added he does like the Premier League.
The Ajax captain, 19, is one of the most sought-after players in this summer’s transfer market after an impressive campaign where he led the Amsterdam side to the Dutch league and cup double — as well as the semifinals of the Champions League.
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He is certain to leave Ajax this summer for a huge fee and Old Trafford sources have told ESPN FC they believe De Ligt is going to sign for Barca. However, when asked what his next destination is likely to be, De Ligt would not make a decision until after the Nations League finals.
“Where do I see myself? Well, obviously the Premier League is a big competition — Spain also — but you have other competitions,” he told AP. “It’s not [just] about those two.
“I still don’t know anything about where my future is, so I see how it goes.”
Sources have told ESPN FC that United have offered De Ligt a deal worth £250,000-a-week to move to Old Trafford — more than the player will receive at Barcelona.
But despite the prospect of playing in the Premier League with United, De Ligt has made it clear to the club that his preference is a move to Barcelona, who have already completed a €75 million deal for his Ajax teammate, Frenkie de Jong.
While United remain huge admirers of De Ligt, who is not expected to leave Ajax until after his involvement with Netherlands at the Nations League in Portugal next month, there is an acceptance within Old Trafford that Barca have all but tied up a deal for the player.
ESPN FC senior reporter Mark Ogden contributed to this report