De Ligt’s arrival would automatically win Juventus ninth consecutive title, insists Capello
Fabio Capello has claimed Juventus will be guaranteed to win the Serie A title next season if they sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Recent reports have suggested that De Ligt has identified Juventus as his ideal destination this summer, and Capello believes that this will make the Italian giants too strong for their competitors next season.
De Ligt has been linked to a number of teams already this summer, with Manchester United, Barcelona and PSG all reportedly chasing the young centre-back.
However, with Juventus now appearing to be in pole position, Capello is adamant the Dutchman’s potential arrival would be very bad news for other Italian teams.
“If Juve sign De Ligt then it’s over [the title race]. Again. And we go directly to the season after,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“De Ligt is the best defender out there. He allows you to defend with two, freeing up the full-backs, like he has at Ajax.
“With him, Juve will have hit the jackpot. Without him, well, it could help the others get closer. Let me be clear. When I talk about others, I’m referring exclusively to Napoli and Inter.
“Milan, Roma and Lazio won’t participate in the title race for obvious technical delays and financial problems.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Iker Casillas has described the Serie A outfit’s transfer business as magical, hinting that a major deal could be on the horizon.
Los fichajes de la @juventusfc los hace Houdini. Magia pura… 🎩 pic.twitter.com/iCrV8Zvaps
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) June 25, 2019
‘Agent Ronaldo’ – How the Portuguese superstar tempted De Ligt
After Portugal beat the Netherlands in the Nations League final earlier this month, pictures circulated of De Ligt and Cristiano Ronaldo talking and laughing on the pitch at full-time. De Ligt admitted after the game that Ronaldo had asked him to join him at the Turin club.
“That could well be true,” said De Ligt when asked if Ronaldo spoke to him about Juventus.
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“I was a bit shocked, that’s why I laughed. But I didn’t say anything. Just after the game you just feel bad that you’ve lost, that’s all you’re thinking about.”
De Ligt would be new manager Maurizio Sarri’s first signing for the club following his return to Italy after a successful season at Chelsea. If the deal does go through, De Ligt would be in line to become one of the most expensive defenders in history.
De Ligt’s rise: Five things to know…
- At just 19 years of age, De Ligt is one of the most sought-after players in world football.
- He captained Ajax to the Dutch league and cup double last season.
- De Ligt scored against Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur in Ajax’s incredible run to the Champions League semi-finals.
- He is thought to be following compatriot Frenkie de Jong by leaving Ajax for a leading European club.
- The defender has been linked with Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Manchester United.
