Matthijs de Ligt seems to be the ‘will we, won’t we?’ rumour of this transfer window, but it looks unlikely we’ll spend big to add the Dutchman to a Reds backline already brimming with talent.
That idea is backed up by a report from The Mirror today, which claims De Ligt’s agent – the controversial Mino Raiola – is insisting the Reds’ will have to blow their wage structure wide open to land the 19-year-old.
The Mirror are maintaining that De Ligt is wanted by six big clubs, but that Raiola sees Anfield as the perfect place for the young Dutchman, where he would continue a centre-back partnership built in the Netherlands team with Virgil van Dijk.
Raiola still trying to push De Ligt towards Liverpool. He just wants a slice of our Agent fees (highest in PL) we paid out last window. He knows clubs flush with cash but he is a dirty dirty agent. Given his past poor history with balotelli and our club, will be interesting…
— LFC Watch (@Mobyhaque1) 8 June 2019
But, as Manchester United and PSG are allegedly offering £236,000 per week and £256,000 respectively, any theoretical deal for De Ligt would force us to match those mammoth salaries.
One of the great things about this squad is the camaraderie and lack of ego; The Mirror’s report claims that could spell trouble with Mo Salah on £200,000 per week and Van Dijk on £150,000.
Somehow, we don’t think it will even get that far, though in any possible event it did, we’re not entirely sure those two would be bothered about the wages if we had of the best young talents around.
While the Echo’s Paul Gorst has tried to dispel any suggestions De Ligt will sign for the Reds.
Final question of press conference to Wijnaldum and Daley Blind: where should Matthijs de Ligt go – the Premier League or La Liga or somewhere else.
Wijnaldum says with a smile: “he should follow his heart”— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) 8 June 2019
Here’s what we think:
Firstly, those c.£250,000 per week salary would make the 19-year-old the highest paid player in Liverpool history and, despite, our recent success on and off the pitch, it still seems exorbitant.
Secondly, we don’t know where De Ligt will be heading, but the signs don’t seem to point towards us- Barçelona still seem like the most probable destination.
The Mirror claim the defender – whose header helped the Netherlands into the Nations League final – will make a pivotal announcement on his future very soon.