‘Matip Replacement?’ ‘He Will Get Exposed Massively’ Fans React As Liverpool Join Chelsea In Pursuing 101.5M Serie A Defender

‘Matip Replacement?’ ‘He Will Get Exposed Massively’ Fans React As Liverpool Join Chelsea In Pursuing 101.5M Serie A Defender

Liverpool have joined Chelsea in keeping tabs on Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt’s contract situation, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Dutchman’s current deal expires in 2024 and talks are underway over an extension. However, the player is asking for his release clause to be lowered from €120m (£101.5m) which could bring him into the price range of both the Reds and the Blues.

Supporters on Twitter had a mixed response to the rumour, with some believing de Ligt could be a long-term successor for the likes of Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk, while others don’t believe the centre-back is good enough:

It does really depend how low the buyout fee goes. If it is set at around €80m (£68m) or €90m (£76m) then a decision will need to be made.

De Ligt is still only 22 years of age so, while fans have every right to be critical of some of his performances, it is important to understand that he is far from his peak years as a defender. If Liverpool snap him up, it could be a tremendous coup.

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.