Barcelona refuse to pay De Ligt 12 million euros net per year Barcelona Defender is close to joining Juventus

Barcelona had made it one of their main objectives to try and lure Matthijs de Ligt to the Camp Nou this summer, but ultimately they have been priced out of the deal.

The Ajax captain is now negotiating with Juventus, having also spoken with Paris Saint-Germain, and reports in Italy suggest that a total agreement has been reached between Ajax, the Bianconeri and De Ligt. The Blaugrana, meanwhile, have made their last move in their attempt to sign him.

Barcelona decided that enough was enough when they saw that the overall sum to bring in De Ligt would surpass 200 million euros. The estimated transfer with Ajax would cost 75m euros plus add-ons, and the centre-back would sign a five-year contract. Having asked for 12m euros net per year, it would cost the club 120m euros in that period just for his salary.

Between the transfer fee and his wages, the overall deal would cost more than 200m, and that is forgetting one last expense: Mino Raiola's 20 percent commission from the transfer fee.

Barcelona stood up and said no. They were not willing to make that expense for a 19-year-old, and it would have completely unbalanced the club's wage structure. In addition, there is another important factor to consider: Barcelona already have four centre-backs in the squad with Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo.

The Catalans opted not to make one last move and improve their contract offer to De Ligt. Both Juve and PSG are willing to make that disbursement, but Barcelona are not.

All is not lost for Barcelona, though. Yes, they are missing out on one of the world's great prospects in a position that is often difficult to fill, but they still have the 75m euros they had planned to spend on the Dutchman. That money can now go towards bringing in Neymar, Antoine Griezmann or any other players who are on the Blaugrana's wish list.