Matthijs de Ligt could be about to reunite with Erik ten Hag as Manchester United look to sign the defender on the cheap with the Dutchman keen on the Old Trafford switch
Matthijs de Ligt is keen to make his switch to Manchester United with Bayern Munich willing to sanction his departure.
A move to Old Trafford would see the Dutchman reunite with Erik ten Hag, whom he worked with when he first came through the ranks at Ajax. The centre-half was tipped for big things but his career has stalled and now the Manchester outfit have come knocking and could land him for far less than they expected.
Bayern spent £68million to sign De Ligt when they captured him from Juventus several summers ago. He’s been unable to hit the necessary heights though and, currently at the Allianz Arena, finds himself behind Eric Dier in the pecking order. As a result the Red Devils reckon they can land his signature for just over £40m, reports the Daily Mail.
The German giants themselves want to sign Jonathan Tah, who recently won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. He’s away at the Euros on international duty and won’t come cheap – hence the need to sell for the Bavarians.
United want De Ligt to play on the right side of a centre-half pairing that could also include Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, as they still harbour hopes of landing the young English defender if they can raise the funds needed.
Ten Hag, when he teamed up with De Ligt previously, landed numerous honours in Holland and also led Ajax to the last four of the Champions League in 2019. The Dutch defender scored a famous winner at Juventus to see them off in the quarter-finals.
United’s transfer business is expected to ramp up now sporting director Dan Ashworth is in the building. An agreement was finally met with Newcastle and they’re set to become more active in their recruitment. Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, who has a £34m buyout clause, is their top target as they seek a new striker while PSG ’s Manuel Ugarte is among the midfield options being considered.
Ten Hag endured numerous issues with his backline last term as United ended with a poor defensive record. Some of that was down to injuries with the Red Devils boss often having several of his options sidelined. Raphael Varane has just been allowed to leave Manchester after several injury-hit years.
United’s poor campaign means they will not be in the Champions League next term but that doesn’t look to have put off De Ligt from making a switch to the Premier League giants.
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