Matthijs de Ligt has told Ajax he wants to leave the end of the season and has recruited super agent Mino Raiola to broker a big money move this summer, reports De Telegraaf.
The Netherlands international has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Europe over the last 12 months and is already a target for the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Tottenham.
De Ligt, who has captained Ajax this season, still has three years left to run on his existing deal but is keen to take the next step in his career this summer, putting Ajax in a difficult position.
Tottenham have earmarked De Ligt as a potential replacement for Toby Alderweireld this summer, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side will face stiff competition for the 18-year-old’s signature if he is available.
Raiola is also in talks with Ajax over a new deal for wonderkid Justin Kluivert, but negotiations have been tough going for the Dutch giants and De Ligt’s desire to leave only compounds their woes.
De Ligt only failed to start one league match for Ajax this season and even scored three goals and provided two assists from centre-back. Furthermore, only three players averaged more passes per league game than the teenager (62.4).
With that in mind, it would be worth considering De Ligt for your Football INDEX portfolios. His share price is currently £1.72, but will only rise as speculation intensifies about his future.
Excited to see how good he is next season. Big question will be who he joins. I'd go to Tottenham out of the teams mentioned. Development would be stifled at Barca or Bayern