Forward Justin Kluivert has told goal.com that it is his dream to play for Barcelona, following in his father’s footsteps.
The 18-year-old was speaking after his international debut, where he came off the bench in the Netherlands 0-3 victory against Portugal.
Kluivert recently won the goal NxGn award ahead of the previous winner Gianluigi Donnarumma and has attracted interest from a number of big clubs including Manchester United since making his debut for Ajax at 17.
When asked about his dream club the 18-year-old said:
“my dream club? Barcelona is my dream club.
to follow in my father’s footsteps? Yes, that is my dream club at the end. I wouldn’t mind going elsewhere, but Barcelona is the dream.”
The news comes just days after Justin’s father Patrick admitted he favoured a move to Barcelona over Manchester United.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has had his say on Kuivert joining the Spanish giants.
Balague said:
“He is not ready to leave Ajax just yet, he should not leave and will more than likely stay with Ajax.
“He needs to stay at least one more year in that environment he is at the moment and everybody around him is advising him exactly that.
“Will he listen? I think he will. There is undoubtedly lots of potential there but he is not Kylian Mbappe just yet.
“He needs to keep improving somewhere with a little bit less of demand than those big clubs.”
It is evident that at just 18, Kluivert hasn’t hit his full potential and staying at Ajax for at least another year at least would be a sensible move.
Since his debut, he has netted 10 times in 29 appearances for Ajax. With another full season under his belt, he may be more suited to a move to Barcelona.
With money on the table for a move this summer, however, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Kluivert line-up for Barcelona next season.
His father played 182 times competitively for Barca and netted 90 goals. He has been spotted recently enjoying time in the Catalonian capital with both of his sons.
Patrick has previously spoken of his son’s move to Barcelona but identifies as we know, that football is a strange business.
“Of course, I prefer that he goes to Barcelona but in football, anything can happen.”
So unfortunately for Ajax fans, links with Barcelona have been getting stronger for Justin Kluivert recently, but he has ensured that he is focused on finishing this season with Ajax and is aiming for silverware.