Guardiola Excited By Potential Of Ajax’s De Ligt

Guardiola Excited By Potential Of Ajax’s De Ligt

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is a player with huge potential.

When asked about the Dutchman, who was reportedly a target for City, he replied:

“He’s a good centre-back. He’s 19 years old, and the one who signs him will have a centre-back for years [to come].”


De Ligt looks set to make a move to Juventus instead, with the Serie A champions having leapfrogged ahead of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the race for the teenager.

City are keen to sign a new centre-back this summer, as they seek a replacement for captain Vincent Kompany.

However, it appears the Citizens’ focus is on Leicester’s Harry Maguire. Both Guardiola’s side and Manchester United are said to be interested in the England international but it appears the Foxes’ valuation of the player is putting off buyers.

City are reportedly prepared to pay £65m for the 26-year-old but it seems Leicester would want any club to break the world record for a defender. A fee between £80m and £100m could well be required to sign the centre-half.