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Manchester United’s pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt has received a new boost thanks to Bayern’s president.
United are keen to sign de Ligt, with the recruitment team highlighting the centre-back as a great option to strengthen the defence. With Leny Yoro recently arriving at Old Trafford and Lisandro Martinez being the only existing defender at the club marked as ‘untouchable’, the club still need to bring in reinforcements.
The move for the Dutch centre-back is one that is highly backed by manager Erik ten Hag. The pair are keen to work together again after a successful spell at Ajax between 2017 and 2019. Ten Hag has been in regular communication with his former defender, leading to personal terms being agreed for a move to United.
Manchester United’s pursuit of de Ligt
So far United have only made one offer for the Dutchman which was submitted this week. The offer has recently stalled, with the Red Devils prioritising the Yoro deal after agreeing personal terms with de Ligt. Bayern have rejected United’s initial offer of €35 million, deeming it not enough. The German club are looking for offers of €50 million plus add-ons for their defender, with United’s bid falling significantly short of this.
Both clubs are still negotiating to work out a deal both teams are happy with. Bayern are under pressure to make a sale soon this summer in order to fund the signing of new talent. This may support United’s stance with the transfer if Bayern struggle to make any other sales of their existing squad.
Bayern’s president gives fresh boost to de Ligt transfer
Bayern’s president Uli Hoeness has given the transfer a fresh boost of excitement, suggesting that de Ligt could indeed leave Munich this summer. With multiple options of centre-back, Bayern are able to part ways with de Ligt with little effect on the club. Defenders like Dayot Upamecano and Eric Dier have commanded the position, giving a strong rotation in the heart of defence.
Manchester Evening News have reported that while speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Hoeness said: “It’s possible that a defender will leave, I would have no problem if he stays. Personally, I would not sell [Dayot] Upamecano.”
This statement suggests that Upamecano is the only retention at the club, making de Ligt available for the right price.
Ten Hag as recently expressed his uncertainty of United signing the Dutchman, saying: “It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that,”
In his interview with AD Sportswereld, he continued: “I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process [at United].”
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