Juventus and Barca target De Ligt to make summer decision

Juventus and Barcelona target Matthijs de Ligt says he will assess ‘whether the time has come for me to take the next step’ and leave Ajax at the end of the season.

De Ligt solidified his reputation as the world’s most promising defensive prospect by winning the 2018 Golden Boy award on Sunday evening, amidst interest from the likes of Juve, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

“I can’t be disturbed by other things at this point of the season,” the 19-year-old told Tuttosport.

“I’m the captain of this glorious team and I’ll decide whether the time has come for me to take the next step at the end of the season.

“For everything else, you have to ask my agent or the Ajax directors. I repeat, I’m focused on Ajax and being the Golden Boy, of course…”