Rafael van der Vaart: Matthijs de Ligt is a "perfect" match for Bayern Munich

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Matthijs de Ligt

Photo: IMAGO/Claudio Benedetto / IMAGO/ZUMA Press

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Niakhaté says goodbye to Mainz fans with an emotional message

Captain Moussa Niakhaté said goodbye to the fans of Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05 with an emotional message.

»Four years ago, when I came to Mainz, I didn't expect to experience so much love.

I can hardly imagine encountering this kind of affection again at a club.

I'm very grateful for this time and for having played in this club, with my team-mates and for you," said the central defender on the club's social media channels.

Mainz confirmed the 26-year-old Frenchman's move to English Premier League promoted team Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening.

There, Niakhaté received a three-year contract.

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Van der Vaart would like to have compatriot De Ligt at Bayern

From Rafael van der Vaart's point of view, central defender Matthijs de Ligt would be a "perfect" fit for FC Bayern Munich.

"It's a great idea from Bayern and Salihamidzic has to be commended here.

I would be happy for Matthijs, it would be the right step for him," said the former Bundesliga professional (39) at Sport1.

According to media reports, the Dutch soccer player de Ligt (22) has already submitted his wish to move to Munich at Juventus Turin.

The clubs and de Ligt themselves have not yet made any public statements.

He is said to have a €120m release clause.

Van der Vaart is full of praise for his compatriot, who, like him, once played for Ajax Amsterdam.

"He's an excellent player, he's still so young and a top defender who's good on the ball.

He can play one-on-one against almost any striker." In addition, the Juventus star is "quick and playful.

And humanly he's a good guy."

VfB interested in Colombian striker Perea

According to a media report, Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart is interested in signing Colombian striker Juan José Perea.

For the 22-year-old from the Greek first division club PAS Ioannina, a transfer fee of just over two million euros would be due, as the “kicker” reported.

Perea scored ten league goals last season and still has a contract with his club until June 30, 2024. In addition to VfB, which is threatened with the departure of top scorer Sasa Kalajdzic this summer, other clubs are said to be vying for Perea.

ara/dpa/sid