Reports: Spanish giants set to battle Barcelona for the signature of another Ajax prodigy

What's the story?

According to Spanish media outlet Marca, Spanish giants, Atletico Madrid has entered the race to sign Ajax prodigy, Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt is already a wanted man as he was previously linked to European giants like Barcelona and Juventus.

¡Ojo! El Atlético quiere quitar a De Ligt al Barça https://t.co/E8TCTPIvit

— MARCA (@marca) March 6, 2019

In case you didn't know...

A product of the famed Ajax Academy - De Ligt is showing all the signs of a potential great from an early age. Despite being just 19-year-old, the Dutch wonder kid is already leading Ajax with some powerful performances.

It is crystal clear that De Ligt has already garnered huge praise and gained suitors across all Europe due to his sensational rise with both Ajax and Netherlands. His superior defensive ability, combined with high intelligence and calmness on the ball is rare at his age and makes him one of the most talented defenders around.

Under his leadership, Ajax have already proven to be giant killers - their shocking comeback against Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu is a testament to the fact.

Having already secured De Ligt's teammate, Frenkie De Jong, who will join this summer, Barcelona President, Josep Maria Bartomeu, confirmed in an interview that De Ligt remains one of the names on their wish list.

The heart of the matter

After his consistent performances against some of the best forwards in the world, Atletico Madrid is the latest to join the list of clubs who are impressed by De Ligt, and they are considering bringing the Dutch prodigy to the Spanish capital.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's interest in Atletico Madrid defender, Lucas Hernandez, will only weaken the strength of the squad.

According to the report, Diego Godin is also likely to move out, and the Atletico Madrid board are looking at ways to strengthen their defence this summer. They will have to battle the likes of Barcelona to land De Ligt.

Rumour rating: 5/10

It is an open secret that top clubs across Europe are interested in De Ligt, and Atletico Madrid will only make the fight for his services tougher in the summer transfer window.

What's next?

Atletico Madrid will face Leganes in LaLiga before they travel to Turin to face Juventus in the Champions League.