Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt has opened the possibility of playing for Liverpool in the future. The Netherlands international has shared the playing field with Reds defender Virgil van Dijk at the international level, and he has now hinted that a reunion could be on the cards at the Mersey side club in the summer.

Speaking to Goal.com, De Ligt said that it has always been helpful to play alongside Van Dijk in the national team ranks and the same could be a possibility at the club level, he quipped: “Virgil is a player who has experience in the top leagues. Of course, you would want to learn from him. It’s very helpful playing alongside him in the Dutch team. It could happen (signing for Liverpool). He plays for Liverpool, a good club, but I’m not focused on them. I focus on Ajax and then I’ll see where I end up.”

De Ligt has regularly dismissed rumours regarding his future but this has not ceased the speculation, given the defender appears very likely to pursue a big-club move in the summer. Jurgen Klopp’s side are no doubt capable of matching the transfer demands of the Ajax graduate but they may not face an easy ride in the player’s pursuit, considering the presence of Barcelona.

The Catalan giants have already built a close relationship with Ajax by signing midfielder Frenkie de Jong in an advanced agreement for the summer and they could likewise hold the advantage for De Ligt, who has previously been open about the dream of playing for the Spanish champions. At present, the teenager remains focused on the duties with Ajax and he will be hoping to end the season on the high with some form of silverware.

Ajax are currently just five points behind holders PSV in the Eredivisie and they can reduce the gap with a game in hand. Meanwhile, the Capital outfit have made progress to the Champions League quarter-final while they remain favourites to beat Willem II for the KNVB Cup.