A certain Jaap Stam has lavished praise on a reported Tottenham Hotspur target.
Calciomercato reported that Spurs were interested in signing the Juventus powerhouse.
According to La Repubblica in January, the Italian outfit are willing to accept £54 million for the Netherlands international.
De Ligt, who cost £68 million, burst on to the scene in 2019 with some stunning performances for Ajax – particularly in the Champions League – but he has found himself behind Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in the Massimiliano Allegri’s pecking order this season.
A transfer could potentially be on the cards – and Tottenham definitely need central defenders this summer, following their difficulties at the back for the majority of 2022 thus far.
And Stam, a legendary centre-back himself, has advised his compatriot to blaze his own trail and do what he feels is correct regarding a potential transfer away from Turin.
He told Tutto Juve: “He is often judged as a veteran, but let’s not forget who is only 22 years old. He is a world-class player, it is normal for Juventus to want to renew his contract. I think he will be very interested in hearing the type of proposal that will be made to him, also because I have read that he is happy in Turin. Advice? I just say to do what you feel.”
Stellar
What a stellar signing this would be.
Tottenham will be making Cristian Romero a permanent signing this summer and pairing him up with De Ligt and Eric Dier – or preferrably another addition – would make Antonio Conte’s side a serious defensive unit next term.
Thing is, it isn’t that unlikely either.
If De Ligt does leave Italy, Tottenham can probably afford the reported £54 million.
If Nuno Espirito Santo was still in North London then De Ligt wouldn’t even listen to the Lilywhites, but Conte is a world-class manager and no doubt commands more respect within the game than his Portuguese predecessor.
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