Matthijs de Ligt refuses to commit to new Juventus contract

Matthijs de Ligt has confirmed that he is in talks with Juventus over a new contract but stressed that he has not yet decided whether to sign it.

The Dutch defender enjoyed perhaps his finest season in Turin so far this year, making 42 appearances in all competitions, but he could not inspire Juve higher than a second consecutive fourth-placed finish.

Italian reports recently suggested an agreement over fresh terms was close, although there have been murmurs that De Ligt, who has two years left on his current deal, is hesitating to commit, and he took that stance in a recent interview with NOS.

“Talks are being held and, when the time comes, I will decide whether I will extend or whether I want to look elsewhere,” he said.

“I always look at what is best for myself in terms of sporting project. Fourth place, two years in a row, is not good enough. We will have to make steps in that direction.”