Super-agent Mino Raiola has revealed that Matthijs de Ligt was always going to join Juventus despite rumors emerging that he was firming in favor of a transfer to Barcelona. The 20-year-old center back, according to his agent, "always wanted the move" contrary to initial claims.
Following a spectacular 2018/2019 season with Ajax, there were speculations that Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were both keen on securing the service of the Dutchman. For Los Blaugrana, the earlier signing of Frenkie De Jong even served up more reason to anticipate the arrival of the defender considering that the pair were best of friends.
However, a twist to the tale emerged right after the UEFA Nations League Final between Portugal and Netherlands as De Ligt eventually decided on joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. Many suggested that the former Real Madrid star might have convinced the player to move to Turin, a claim which the ex-Ajax starlet himself subsequently debunked.
As per Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Mino Raiola explained that De Ligt's first choice was always to move to Juve and, as a result, alway had the Serie A outfit in mind.
"The most important thing is that Matthijs is happy. He could have gone to Juve a year earlier, Ajax had asked him to stay when some agreements had already been made. But because of the transfer of De Jong to Barcelona, who left for a large amount, Ajax wanted more than was suddenly agreed.
"According to many Dutch people, Barcelona is not a foreign club, but really Dutch. So Matthijs should have gone there by force, but it was not so and it was almost a sort of sacrilege.
"He is Dutch like Frenkie (de Jong, ndc ) and he comes from Ajax, so ... The reasons they gave us to try and catch Matthijs were wrong. He's not just a footballer. And you think Gerard Piqué, a very influential character, has given up and pushed himself aside?".
Regarding his attitude and approach to his clients and football, he added: "Sometimes I am tough, but I never promised anything that I haven't accomplished.
"I have absolutely nothing against Overmars or Van Der Sai, but I think: at this level you must be able to do business on the phone too. I am ready to die to give what I promised to my players. This is how I work with many of the best European clubs."
