Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt has confirmed that negotiations with Juventus are under way but there’s no agreement yet. The Dutchman still has two years left to run on his Bianconeri contract but is viewed as the long-term successor to Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
De Ligt had previously said he will make a decision over whether to extend his stay in Turin or not and clarified his statements in an interview with ESPN Holland:
It is important for me to be able to grow and work on myself. The fact that I am now referred to as one of Juventus leaders in the coming years speaks volumes about my growth. For me, it is only the need to continue taking these steps, and at the moment, it is with Juventus.
Contract renewal? The negotiations are there, but its not that I already have an agreement as was written. This is not true. Negotiations are there, but they are at an early stage. I still have a two year contract, so I still have enough time.
National team? Ultimately it is the coach who decides who plays. It must be demonstrated in games and during training. It must be shown that you are or should be playing in one position. I only play where the coach needs me and at Juventus I played regularly on the left. Also in the center, for example in a three. Even in a four on the right. So in principle I could play in all three positions. I play differently at Juve? If I play left, I will have to see how it will go. So far during training I have felt comfortable, so I hope it is not a problem.”
