Man Utd rejected: The four clubs Matthijs De Ligt would join

Karan Tejwani

• 7 Jun 2022 12:40 BST
• 3 min read

Matthijs de Ligt has rejected any interest from Manchester United over a potential move, after reports earlier in the season claimed Erik ten Hag would be interested in bringing him to Old Trafford.

De Ligt has been discussing United’s interest while on international duty with the Netherlands but hasn’t given any indication of interest in joining his former Ajax manager in England.

However, there is a belief that he would only consider joining four other clubs, as chances of a move to the Red Devils look slim.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are one of the clubs reportedly considered by De Ligt, mainly because of his desire to be at a winning club with chances of competing with some of Europe’s best.

However, a move may be difficult anytime in the near future as Liverpool already have options in the area including Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

Liverpool also aren’t looking to improve in defence anytime soon with their immediate priority being in midfield and later finding a suitable replacement for Sadio Mane, should he leave.

Manchester City

A club that would suit De Ligt’s style well is Manchester City as the Dutchman’s competence with the ball would be a suitable characteristic.

Additionally, like Liverpool, they are a club constantly challenging the best in England and in Europe, and De Ligt could make a mark here.

De Ligt hasn’t had the best time at Juventus, but being at a club as stable as Manchester City would be beneficial for his long-term career.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have always been a club to attract the game’s biggest stars, and De Ligt would fit that mould perfectly, were he to make the move.

However, just like Liverpool, there will be a serious competition for places, as Real Madrid have just completed the signing of Antonio Rudiger.

A move to the Santiago Bernabeu would be incredibly unlikely anytime soon.

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain were one of the clubs strongly interested in De Ligt when he made the move to Juventus back in 2019, and they probably are still keeping an eye on him.

The French champions ideally would require a solid name to improve their back-line and De Ligt seems like the perfect option for the position.

PSG are on the hunt for a maiden Champions League win, and signing De Ligt would help them move in the right direction.