Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has spoken about the future of Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt: “It is a secret!”
The 19-year-old has been the captain of the Amsterdam-based club for over a year and has starred for club and country.
Widely regarded as one of the best upcoming talents in world football, the central defender is set to command a €70m fee from Ajax.
Barcelona are said to be among the frontrunners for the defender but Manchester United, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked.
“I have spoken with Matthijs a week ago about his future and it is secret,” Koeman explained, as cited by Diario Sport.
“What I say to young people who are thinking of taking a step is that the most important thing is to continue playing, to have minutes to develop their football, and where they play is also important, but that they must choose well with their family, his agent, the environment that surrounds him.
“He is only a 19-year-old and has to make a good decision, he must choose well where to play next season so that he is able to keep growing, it seems that he has the experience of someone who is 25.
“It was great news that he played in the Champions League and that he did it at the highest level, that makes him grow.
“He can improve because he is a great professional, he does extra work on his own. He can improve, of course, but he is already a great player and will be even better over the years.
“It is important for him to choose a great club because it deserves it.”
