Opinion: If de Ligt wants a lower release clause, it’s best to sell him now

Matthijs de Ligt’s future at Juventus is still the subject of transfer rumours. After joining in the summer 2019 transfer window as one of the year’s biggest blockbuster deals, the top-class centre-back had another excellent season in Turin. However, it is still fair to conclude that he did not live up to the club’s and supporters’ expectations, however, he is just 22 years old.

And, according to recent reports, de Ligt wants to extend his contract for another year or two without a salary raise (doesn’t this seem too good to be true? ), but with a reduced release clause. His present release clause is worth roughly 120 million euros, but he wants to decrease it to 70-80 million euros.

The fact that he wants to reduce his release clause indicates that he is still considering leaving our club in the next season or two. So, why should Juve grant him a contract extension and diminish the transfer money they would receive in the future from his sale? This might be Juventus’ final chance to recoup all of the money they spent in 2019 for Dutchman service, as well as any profit. Chelsea, PSG, Man United, and a host of other clubs are interested in Matthijs de Ligt’s services this transfer window.

So, in my opinion, Juve should strive to extend his contract without lowering his release clause by less than 100 million euros. Otherwise, sell him for his release clause or anything close to it and utilise the transfer money to replace him, as well as to upgrade other elements of the team.