Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus Co-Star Reconsidering Barcelona Transfer Move

One of Cristiano Ronaldo’s most notable Juventus teammates is eyeing a move to Barcelona.

Matthijs de Ligt was able to secure a regular spot at Juventus since his blockbuster move from Ajax in 2019.

However, rumors began swirling around Spain that the highly-regarded defender is seeking a move away from Turin.

After two seasons with the Old Lady, De Ligt has become “unhappy” with his situation at Juventus and is now keen on joining Barcelona, Spanish outlet Catalunya Radio reported.

Interestingly, De Ligt was once on Barca’s radar, having been one of the hottest prospects a few years ago.

In 2019, the Catalans reportedly moved up a notch and made an offer for the Dutchman.

However, De Ligt snubbed the Spanish side and completed a stunning £67.5 million ($95.7 million) move to Juventus instead.

At present, the report said that De Ligt has been lamenting and speaking to his entourage about the “mistake” he made in rejecting Barcelona.

It is also said that Barca chiefs have already learned about the 21-year-old’s eagerness to move to Camp Nou.

Despite co-starring with Ronaldo at Juventus, De Ligt has always been honest about his admiration on the Portuguese’s arch-rival Lionel Messi.

According to De Ligt, Ronaldo is clearly “the best of his generation” but he still “go with Messi.”

"Best teammate? There is Cristiano Ronaldo, of course,” the 2018-19 Dutch Footballer of the Year stressed. “But I won't go for him because everyone knows already what he can do. Cristiano is the best of his generation and a big example for young players. I try to improve myself by looking at him in training, as he trains with so much intensity."

"[But] I'll go with Messi. There's no need to explain much.”

At Juventus, De Ligt continued where he left off at Ajax, having played 29 league matches for Bianconeri in his maiden Serie A season.

He was also instrumental in the club’s 2020 Italian top-flight championship.

Despite dealing with a few injuries in the past season, Juve manager Andre Pirlo has never doubted De Ligt’s abilities.

In fact, the Italian coach pointed out that the team benefits from the star center-back's versatility.

“At the age of 20, we already knew that De Ligt is a real captain. [We] know that he can give us a lot, both defensively and in keeping the team together with his passing from behind.” Pirlo raved of his defender to Sky Sports Italy at the start of the past season.