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Manchester United have been active in the transfer market, securing teenage defender Leny Yoro as their most expensive acquisition after striking a £58.9 million deal with Lille last month.
However, manager Erik ten Hag continues to seek further reinforcements ahead of the rapidly approaching August 30 deadline.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth’s been given the task of landing another centre-back, as United’s recent arrival has already been sidelined for three months due to a fractured metatarsal suffered during pre-season.
Despite their efforts, they are facing significant challenges in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt.
Manchester United reportedly need Bayern Munich to lower their demands for De Ligt, as they are concerned about the excessive financial outlay required to complete the deal.
The Premier League giants are unwilling to pay more than £45 million plus add-ons, especially just weeks after signing Yoro.
The Red Devils have experienced frustration as the Bundesliga heavyweights rejected an initial double offer for both the Netherlands international and Noussair Mazraoui.
This rejection came despite optimism that the proposal would meet Bayern Munich’s expectations, given that both players are deemed surplus to requirements.
De Ligt seeks huge contract from Man Utd
A new report from GiveMeSport claims that De Ligt is seeking a contract worth around £200,000 per week, which translates to £9.6 million per year.
He has verbally agreed to join Manchester United if personal terms and a fee can be agreed upon.
However, United are not prepared to overspend after already committing a substantial fee for Yoro.
The former Juventus and Ajax player would be in a similar pay bracket to Harry Maguire, who has entered the final 12 months of his £190,000-per-week contract.
De Ligt would also become a higher earner than both Lisandro Martinez and Yoro if United meet his demands and manage to convince Bayern Munich to approve the transfer.
The report further indicates that United are hesitant to proceed with a deal for De Ligt at Bayern Munich’s current valuation.
The club aims to avoid making a hasty decision in response to Ten Hag’s inability to rely on Yoro for an extended period.
Consequently, the hierarchy, along with Ashworth, are deliberating carefully about their next move.
The 24-year-old De Ligt, who made 30 appearances in all competitions during the 2023/24 season, returned to Bayern Munich’s Sabener Strasse training ground on Friday to undergo pre-season fitness assessments. This marks his first time back since participating in Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
Despite De Ligt being described as ‘world-class’ by Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund, Manchester United are resisting the temptation to meet the high price tag set by the Bavarian club. This stance is being maintained as the transfer deadline looms.
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