Juventus are in a battle to make the Champions League. The Turin based side are fourth on the Serie A table, with Atalanta close behind. Two points separate the two sides. The Old Lady have struggled this season and are way off the mark in the quest for another Scudetto.
Juventus have missed the goal contributions of Cristiano Ronaldo and have shipped in goals this season. The Bianconeri have scored only 37 goals in Serie A, conceded 22 and are looking to boost their defence in the summer.
Juventus fortified their attack with Dusan Vlahovic and brought Denis Zakaria to bolster their midfield last month. Despite the additions, the Italian giants are struggling to keep Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt. The defender’s future is up in the air, but Juventus are keen to keep the Dutchman at the club.
Juventus in a battle to keep De Ligt
There has been talk concerning Matthijs de Ligt in recent weeks. Juventus are desperate to tie the Dutchman to a new contract even though his current deal runs till 2024. Should De Ligt be available, he would not be short of suitors.
Massimiliano Allegri has managed to get the club into the top four, despiteng the season on poor footing. The Italian gaffer has built his defence around the Dutchman but is aware that De Ligt is attracting interest from all around Europe. He plays for one of the biggest clubs in Europe, but it has not deterred other sides from looking in hisction.
The acquisition of Dusan Vlahovic and Denis Zakaria shows thection Juventus is heading. The Old Lady is building a team that would compete for many years by bringing young talent to boost the squad. De Ligt is the fulcrum of the defence, and they expect him to remain with the Bianconeri for many years to come.
Allegri believes he can lead the defence in the future when Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini leave the club. The Dutchman has garnered plenty of experience and is a prized asset for the Bianconeri, but Allegri does not think keeping De Ligt is an easy task. With the pressure the club faces concerning the defender, Juventus seem resigned to eventually losing De Ligt. Calciomercato claims that Juventus want to keep the player for at least one more season and are offering him a contract extension, which would keep him at the club till 2025.
Juventus know that he may not accept the new offer except it comes with a significant pay rise. To entice the player to remain at the club, Juventus is willing to reduce his release clause if he accepts to stay at the club till at least 2023.
Juventus make their stance known
De Ligt is one of its most important players for the Old Lady. According to the club, it would be a winner for Juventus if he stays with them for a long time. The defender, however, wants to try a new adventure at some point, and Juventus wants to plan for that.
Juventus hope De Ligt can stay for one more season to give the club enough time to find a replacement for him.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
