BARCA NOT READY TO MEET DE LIGT RISING DEMANDS

• De Ligt has changed his demands in recent weeks.
• He wants a leading role in the team from the getgo.
• His agent, Mino Raiola, demands a bigger commission fee than previously.
• Barcelona are not ready to satisfy these demands.

Multiple reports claim that Matthijs de Ligt sealed an agreement with Barcelona already last month, on April 12, however, nothing has been confirmed yet.

Moreover, worrying reports have come on Friday from renowned Catalan journalist Gerard Romero claiming that potential agreement is becoming even more complicated as de Ligt considers that his status has risen in recent days.

His agent, Mino Raiola, asks for more money than was agreed on because of the interesting offers that are coming in from other clubs. While the centre-back himself asks to have a leading role.

Right now there are three world-class centre-backs at Barca, namely Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet, so it's quite natural that Matthijs wants some assurances.

Here is de Ligt's Eredivisie record, as per Transfermarkt:

As for Raiola, the deal can only be fully completed once Barca and the agent come to an agreement which is the most serious obstacle at the moment as the Catalans stay firm in their decision to spend around 70-80 million euros for the Dutchman, just as they did with his teammate De Jong.

At the moment, Barcelona cannot meet the new demands. But it doesn't mean that they will give up on de Ligt that easy. 

Matthijs himself was unable to shed light on his much-talked-about transfer on Wednesday: "I can’t say anything about it. We will see where I am at the end of the summer. Nothing has been finalised yet."

DE LIGT SETS DEADLINE FOR HIS FUTURE TO BE SORTED OUT

• Barca have a 70-million euros agreement on de Ligt's transfer with Ajax.
• Some things still need to be sorted out between Barcelona and the player's agent, Mino Raiola.
• De Ligt wants the move to be completed before 24 May when he joins the national team.
• In the next 10 days, the final meeting should take place between Barca and de Ligt where everything will be signed.
• The move will be announced after Copa final.

Despite Matthijs de Ligt's transfer to Barcelona being roughly agreed on, the official announcement is still pending.

According to Diario Sport, there are several reasons for that. Firstly, it's de Ligt'sgreat performances in the Champions League that saw many other European clubs interested and trying to outbid Barca for the centre-back. Secondly, it's the player's agent, Mino Raiola, who is notoriously 'difficult' to deal with in negotiations. This last factor has even prompted Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu to take charge of the transfer himself, just like he did previously with Frenkie de Jong. 

Blaugrana colours would really suit them, wouldn't they?

In any case, the deal is nearing its completion and, according to Sport's information, de Ligt wants everything sorted out before 24 May when he joins Holland on national duty. Ajax's final game this season will take place on Wednesday and after that the 19-year-old will have a 10-day break before joining the national team. During this period the two parties will meet again to sign the final agreement.