Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly long term admirers of the Dutchman.
This transfer window passed with Tottenham spending no money, and it might be just as well if they intend to land long term target Mattijs De Ligt in the summer.
Football London reported late last year that De Ligt remains on Tottenham’s radar, but Ajax want over £60 million to agree to sell the defender.
De Ligt is regarded as Dutch football’s top young defensive talent and the 19-year-old is already partnering Virgil Van Dijk at international level.
This summer could be Tottenham’s last chance to sign the centre-back, with interest in him heightening.
Barcelona just snapped up his Ajax teammate Frenkie De Jong for £65 million (via BBC) and Marca report they are dead set on signing De Ligt too.
Even De Ligt acknowledges his future is the subject of debate, quoted by Marca saying: “Any player would like to play for Barcelona at some point in their career.
“Frenkie has already decided his future and it’s great that he can go to Barcelona, he deserves it.We’ll see where I end up.”
The Tottenham rumours began last April with The Telegraph first reporting they viewed him as Toby Alderweireld’s successor.
Alderweireld stayed, but it looks like he could be off this summer, with The Guardian reporting a clause in his contract means clubs can sign him for just £25 million.
Barcelona are clear frontrunners to sign De Ligt, especially with De Jong making his move.
Yet Spurs have a lot working in their favour too, potentially giving him the chance to renew his Ajax partnership with Davinson Sanchez and playing alongside ex-Ajax stars Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen.
It won’t be easy, but Spurs must step up their pursuit and give themselves a chance.
Bringing De Ligt in as their record signing would make the last two barren transfer windows worth it.
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