Netherlands and Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt has insisted that he is yet to make a decision about his future although he admits that playing alongside Lionel Messi and compatriot Frenkie De Jong at Barcelona would be "nice". The 19-year-old center back has been a subject of intense transfer speculation this summer and a move to the Blaugrana is said to be on the cards.
Reports in recent weeks suggested that the Dutch wonderkid was mulling over offers from a host of top European clubs and will only make a decision on his future after the UEFA Nations League final. The likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich are all believed to be in pursuit of the youngster's signature.
After Netherlands missed out on winning the maiden edition of the Nations League to Portugal on Sunday, De Ligt addressed the subject of his potential move from Ajax. While many expect the defender to team up with his friend and former teammate Frenkie De Jong at Barca, he insists that he is yet to make up his mind, although he did not dismiss the potential union.
"I still do not know what my heart says, I have been focused all the time on Ajax and on the national team," De Ligt told Mundo Deportivo.
"Now in my vacations, I will be able to think about it and decide what I am going to do with my future.
"For me, the most important thing is to know that in the team where I go I can have prominence and play many games.
"Of course Barça has great defenders, but the competition is not something that scares me. It is logical and normal that, in a great club such as Barça, there is competition.
"I do not know when I'll have it resolved, but I'm going to take my time," he added.
"Of course, it would be nice [to join up with Frenkie de Jong and Lionel Messi], but I must also look at what is best for me. I do not pay attention to anyone, I have to choose my own path."
