Barcelona is closely monitoring the situation of Matthijs de Ligt, according to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish top club is eyeing players from top teams who have temporarily been sidelined or who aren't always in the starting lineup.
Because Xavi's club is facing financial difficulties, Barcelona is looking for such opportunities. Last transfer window, using this approach, Barcelona managed to secure João Cancelo from Manchester City and João Félix from Atlético Madrid. Both players were brought to Barcelona through a loan deal.
'More Joãos are coming in 2024', predicts Mundo Deportivo. De Ligt is one of the candidates mentioned in this context. The 24-year-old Dutch defender isn't always guaranteed a starting position at Bayern Munich, partly due to stiff competition from Min-jae Kim and Dayot Upamecano. So far, De Ligt has only played 82 minutes in the Bundesliga this season.
Other names being mentioned are Jaden Sancho, Antonio Martial, Jorginho, Nico Williams, and Arsenal's recent acquisition Kai Havertz, who has already lost his starting position under Mikel Arteta. Some of these players' contracts end after 2024.
Updated: 11:01, 28 Sep 2023