Barca’s de Ligt Pursuit Put On Hold

Barcelona’s efforts to sign Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax have hit another stumbling block and have been put on hold for the moment, according to Marca.

Apparently, the reason for this latest holdup is the player’s agent – the “notorious” Mino Raiola, as the report brands him. The transfer fee between the clubs has been agreed to a figure around €70 million, and Raiola demands that he gets 20% of that – €14 million, which is much more than the “usual” 5-10% agents receive.

Ajax are extremely reluctant to see their income reduced to just €56 million, and in view of their stance, Raiola is waiting to see if another club makes a higher offer than Barcelona’s. On the other hand, the Dutch club are keen on getting a deal over the line quickly as they wish to form their plans on reinvesting into next season’s squad.

Despite the Spanish press continuously suggesting that de Ligt’s move to Barcelona is all but done, Ajax sporting director Edwin van der Sar recently said that the young centre-back would move to either England or Spain – indicating that his future is by no means decided.