‘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:
@zakhosking Matip replacement? 🙁
— Matt (@Matt_6626) May 20, 2022
He will get exposed massively in a high line like ours.
— RamboA12 (@RizAhmed98) May 20, 2022
Have to remember that Matip and Van Dijk are both 30. They’ve easily got years left however Matip could get injury problems again
— not gay or a trucker (@TruckerHomo) May 20, 2022
Now I trust Klopp so I really should not say anything. But I think he is too slow for the high line we play with. But as I said, I trust Klopp more than myself
— Gimmly (@Gimmly4) May 20, 2022
van dijk pull
— Subhankit Choudhury🇮🇳 (@subC_YNWA) May 20, 2022
He was soooo good when he used to play for Ajax, but didn’t perform that well with Juve
— el maestro (@elmaestro_44) May 20, 2022
He is prone to make big mistakes…we gonna stick with Joel,VVD, Ibou and Reece
— The Mighty Red (@TheMightyRed4) May 20, 2022
He is a flopp. He can stay on that pedestrian league
— Rohan Johnson (@Liverpool11YWNA) May 20, 2022
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.