Update: De Ligt to Juventus for 70 million.

Matthijs de Ligt is joining Juventus. The 19-year-old defender is moving to the Old Lady for a fee of 70 million. The transfer sum could still increase through bonuses.

It is expected that Ajax will quickly move on and sign a replacement for De Ligt. The 21-year-old Mexican defender Alvarez is considered one of the main candidates.

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Message Wednesday 10-07-2019

Less than 3 months ago, Ajax dealt an unprecedented blow to the Old Lady. The newspapers were full of it: "The Future beats the Old Lady in Turin."

Now a few months later, both clubs are facing each other again. This time not on the field, but at the negotiation table. The subject is Matthijs de Ligt, who is interested in a move to Turin.

In recent months, various clubs showed interest. None of the clubs could meet the demand of our 'Mata', a limited transfer fee in his contract. However, 2 teams were willing to pay Ajax's asking price, which seemed to put a transfer in motion.

When Juventus became aware of the demands, there was finally white smoke. A personal agreement and a quick transfer seemed imminent. Nothing could be further from the truth; instead of a reasonable offer, a much lower offer came. Around 50 million, a significantly lower amount than what was previously reported in the media.

This low bid is said to have come about due to earlier agreements between Ajax and 'Mata' last summer, when a departure was apparently also on the table. The fact that this suddenly gives a completely different twist to the story is food for thought. Why wouldn't PSG and Barcelona have been informed of this, partly by his much-loved agent? Both teams were willing to meet Ajax's earlier asking price.

In a response, to be read in the usually well-informed Telesport editorial office, Overmars made a counter-offer. A higher offer than what was previously circulated, the (new) asking price of 87 million including bonuses, of which 75 million is fixed.

Today, an increased offer of 67 million euros finally came from Turin, still not close to the current asking price. Again, it will be simple for the Old Lady: bend or break. Until then, it is clear that no one should try to dictate the rules of the game when Marc Netto is playing. Ajax is the future, and the future is ours. That the transfer will eventually happen seems inevitable, something that has been coming for quite some time.