Juventus announce arrival of Ajax superstar De Ligt

 

Juventus have confirmed the arrival of Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt on a five-year deal running until the summer of 2024.

 

The Serie A champions have agreed an initial €75m (£67.8m) deal with Ajax to be paid over five years, plus a further €10.5m (£9m) in additional costs.

 

De Ligt has emerged as the most sought after youngster in Europe this year after captaining Ajax to the last four of the Champions League last season.

 

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were both considered heavy favourites for De Ligt at one stage this summer but the Netherlands international has now ended up at Juventus.

 

Juventus announce arrival of Ajax superstar De Ligt

 

The Old Lady have reportedly agreed wages of around €12m (£10.8m) per season net with De Ligt and there is a €150m (£134.8m) release clause in his contract, though it will reportedly only become active in June 2022.

 

French clubs are not allowed to include release clauses in deals for players, which ultimately proved PSG’s downfall in pursuit of the 19-year-old. Barcelona, meanwhile, were unable to match the personal terms agreed by both Juventus and PSG.

 

De Ligt finished last season in the WhoScored Team of the Season in the Eredivisie and the Champions League.