would or could we be any more attractive to a young talented kid Playing in the best league ( im biased) and one of if not THE best Coach in world football Having just done attaining a domestic clean sweep with some world class talent of our own. Are we always destined to be behind Barca and Real Madrid when it comes to the very cream of young talent
Well de Ligt won't probably sign for Barça or Real, will he?
Each negotiation is different. In this case, we (and other clubs) had contacts with de Ligt's entourage since a while back, then Barça made a strong move for him and it looked like he was going there, since he liked the club. When that didn't work out the way they planned we were there waiting for our chance. It seems that it worked out well for us because we built connections with his agent and entourage for a while.
As for visibility on the market, you're already in a good position what with your economic power, home placements and coach. What will help is just results, both consistency in the PL (but we all know the PL is a fickle mistress) and good results in the last stages of the CL (which I think would make the biggest improvement for your cause).
Real and Barça are always the biggest suitors though, and that's because of their long string of results.