Manchester United could reportedly pay just £34m to sign Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich this summer.
Manchester United could reportedly pay just £34m to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich this summer.
The 24-year-old’s future is currently the subject of speculation, with Bayern said to be prepared to let him leave during the current window, as the Bundesliga giants prepare to bring in Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen.
De Ligt’s form for Ajax in the early stages of his career put him on the radar of a number of major clubs, including Man United, but it was Juventus that signed him in the summer of 2019.
The Netherlands international made 117 appearances for the Old Lady before joining Bayern in 2022, and he has featured on 73 occasions for the Munich outfit in all competitions.
De Ligt played 43 times during the 2022-23 campaign before making another 30 appearances last term, and he has another three years left to run on his contract at Allianz Arena.
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Man United ‘closing in’ on De Ligt deal
However, Man United are seemingly determined to bring him to Old Trafford this summer, which would see him reunite with his former Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag.
According to i, the English club’s move for De Ligt is ‘progressing quickly’, with new sporting director Dan Ashworth determined to secure a deal as soon as possible.
The report claims that talks are underway over a £34m deal, which would represent a bargain in the current market considering De Ligt’s experience, his standing in the game, and the time left on his current deal.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Man United are the only team given the green light by De Ligt to progress talks, with the Dutchman keen on a switch to Old Trafford.
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De Ligt ‘could’ cost Red Devils just £34m
Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest, but Ten Hag’s side are seemingly firmly in the driving seat when it comes to a deal for the former Ajax youngster.
Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, meaning that the move could conclude fairly quickly providing that Man United and Bayern can agree on the structure of the deal.
De Ligt lifted two trophies during his time at Ajax before helping Juventus win the Serie A title, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in Turin.
The Dutchman has added two more trophies to his cabinet while at Bayern, lifting the Bundesliga title in 2022-23 and the DFL-Supercup in 2022.
Man United could move for two new centre-backs this summer, with the club also said to be keen to bring in Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, but any deal for the Englishman would rely on the Toffees dropping their substantial asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £80m.