'De Ligt chose Juve for the money'

By Football Italia staff

Barcelona claim Matthijs de Ligt’s only motive for joining Juventus was money. “Italian taxation allows him to earn a higher net salary.”

Barca were long listed as favourites to sign De Ligt, but their failure to agree terms with the ex-Ajax defender let in Juve, who have pledged to pay him €8m plus €4m in bonuses over the next five years.

“We made him an offer, but he preferred to go to Juve, where Italian taxation allows him to earn a higher net salary.” CEO Oscar Grau said during the presentation of his club’s budget.

The Old Lady were also linked with an audacious swoop for Neymar, although a return to Camp Nou was most heavily mooted.

“We made a very big effort for him,” Grau added.

“The club did everything possible with two offers, one with and one without players in exchange but still sustainable.

“The feeling, however, is that PSG never really opened up to a sale.”

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