Holland legend Ruud Gullit reckons Manchester United have no chance of signing Matthijs de Ligt because they won't be playing in the Champions League next season.
The 19-year-old Ajax centre-back has long been admired by Europe’s biggest clubs after enjoying a sensational rise through the ranks in Amsterdam.
Initially de Ligt appeared certain to join Barcelona , especially as his Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong has already agreed a deal to sign with the Catalan club this summer and due to the historical connection between the two clubs.
Manchester United were also strongly linked with the centre-back early on, and even offered him more money than Barcelona to sign for the Old Trafford club.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to bolster his defensive ranks ahead of the next campaign and quickly made De Ligt his No.1 target.
But the Old Trafford giants are unable to offer De Ligt Champions League football - something Gullit believes will be crucial in De Ligt rejecting their interest.
“I don't think it'll be Manchester United, they don't play in the Champions League,” Gullit told Omnisport when asked where De Ligt will sign.
“I think he wants to play in the Champions League, so that's unfortunate for Manchester United.”
Premier League pair Liverpool and Arsenal have previously been interested in the defender, while German giants Bayern Munich have been keeping a close eye on his situation.
Italian giants Juventus and French club Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race to sign the highly-rated defender.
And, though he is yet to commit his future to a club, Gullit is hopeful the Holland international will make the right decision.
“It's going to be difficult [for a lot of teams], a lot of them [big teams] might have UEFA [transfer] bans, so there's a lot that's going on still,” he added.
“So I hope he makes the right decision for himself.”
Simltyz
70
Gulit's comment is to say the least, kiddy. He has spoken like himself being a young player desperate to appear in Champions league. As an old man I would have expected him to advise the young boy to make decision which will give him the best long term future career prospects instead of thinking of one season's Champions league. By the way which player will feel more successful: one who participates in Champions league and dies not win it, or one who participates in Europa league and wins it? For a young boy like De Light, rushing to the topmost and things don't work out well in the first season, could mark the beginning of a free fall for him! All said and done, the final decision is up to the boy and his advisers (serious advisors not just cheeky fans).
SopexAlawi
64
if he's good enough, come to man utd, together we rebuild the team. not having champions league just for one season, he still got years ahead of him. lets create greatness, and become one of the greats.
Cristiano_007
57
He’s just 19 years old. Nothing’s gonna happen if u play Europa league for one season. He can help us to get UCL football. Either way, it’s his choice.
Limeipty
55
Forget about the champion league..he will be playing in the premier league every week...Gulit don't talk about this one..were he struggled both as a player and a manager.
Vobbclopu
53
Gullit is a fool, believe me just because of one season champions league is better he goes to a club where he will be able to play not where he will just stay in the bench and watch others play and still count he's self as a champions league winner if at all the club he join eventually win it. is better he join Manchester united In other for him to participate and develop to be a better player so other clubs can come calling in a due time
Artyiie
48
we dont need player who are only concernd with Champions league but we want players who love Man U simple....De light is a gud player but if he doesn't love Man U dont come
kabaelpz
46
Playing in the Champions should not be a measure for a player to join a club because suppose the club he joins doesn't qualify for the following year's champions league, will he leave for another which will be in the champions league? Let's stop thinking short term. Who says Manchester united will never to the champions league again. Gullible.
wardsham
45
UTD aren't as attractive to players any more and its not just down to nor been in the champions league it's the way the club is been ran at the moment Ed woodward out