News in Holland has broke that Ajax's 18-year old defender Matthijs de Ligt is to head to Barcelona in January in a big-money move.

The starlet, who made his first-team debut in 2016 and played 23 times in all competitions last season, including in the Europa League final, signed a extension to his Ajax contract over the summer.

However, as per Ziggo Sport, de Ligt is on his way to Barca in a €45 million deal, with the move poised to go ahead in January.
De Ligt has long been linked with Barcelona, who have been on the hunt for a young central defender for quite some time, given that Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique aren't getting any younger, as well as Thomas Vermaelen struggling for fitness.

The likes of Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and RB Leipzig's up and coming star Dayot Upamecano have all been touted as potential centre-back signings, but it seems like De Ligt is the preferred choice.

Should the story prove to be accurate, he would head to the Nou Camp as one of the most promising prospects in world football.

In his most recent outing for Ajax, the centre-back was in fantastic form, scoring two goals in a 8-0 demolition of NAC Breda away from home.