Matthijs de Ligt’s signature is in demand this summer, but there might be a stumbling block to overcome if Manchester City want to sign him.
The Ajax captain, who is only 19 years old, is reportedly being chased by Europe’s top clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
While City have invested in centre half options under Pep Guardiola, Nicolas Otamendi is expected to leave this summer and Vincent Kompany, a City legend, is entering the final years of his career.
Guardiola was brought to Manchester in 2016 to attempt to provide the club with their first illusive Champions League, a competition the Spaniard last won in 2011 with Barcelona.
However, European success is no easy feat and Guardiola’s side most recently crashed out of the competition to Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling quarter-final encounter.
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While City are a dominant and conquering force to be reckoned with on British shores, there is still work to do if they are to become Champions League winners under Guardiola.
And while De Ligt isn’t believed to be on City’s immediate shortlist this summer, a marquee signing like this would only enhance City’s odds for European success next season.
If they were to swoop for De Ligt, it would mean City would also get one over their European rivals who are believed to be desperately chasing the Ajax captain.
The transfer of the youngster could prove to be a masterstroke, bringing potentially the world’s best defender for years to come to the Etihad, while also starving opposition of a prodigious talent.
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However, the obstacle City may need to overcome is De Ligt’s agent, Minao Raoila, who Guardiola has well documented previous with.
Raoila took issue with Guardiola’s handling of Zlatan Ibrahimović during their time together at Camp Nou and the repercussions are still being felt today.
Raoila has previously labelled Guardiola a "dog" and a "coward" but the City boss has oozed his usual class and composure and never replied to the agents controversial comments.
But if the pair's differences were to be settled, the chance to sign a defender wise beyond his years may be hard to pass.
De Ligt’s development and potential under Guardiola could be frightening and it’s a mouth-watering prospect for City fans to ponder in the coming months as the summer transfer window beckons.
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