- De Ligt’s potential transfer to Old Trafford comes after a difficult 2023/24 season
Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of signing Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old centre-back, who has struggled for regular playing time at the German club this season, could be set to reunite with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
According to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf on Monday, Manchester United has offered De Ligt a five-year contract, with negotiations between the player’s management and the English club underway. According to the report, personal terms are expected to be agreed upon soon.
De Ligt’s potential transfer to Old Trafford comes after a difficult 2023/24 season at Bayern Munich, where he has fallen down the defensive pecking order.
Despite joining the Bavarian giants for a substantial €67 million fee from Juventus in 2022, the Dutch international made only 22 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.
The report claims that de Ligt and Ten Hag have been in frequent contact, with the pair having “spoken on the phone several times.” Their previous working relationship at Ajax could prove crucial in finalising the deal.
While personal terms appear to be progressing smoothly, the transfer’s completion will hinge on Manchester United and Bayern Munich agreeing on a transfer fee. The two clubs are said to be in talks, though details of the potential fee remain undisclosed.
If the move materialises, it would mark a significant addition to Manchester United’s defensive options and potentially signal a shift in the club’s backline for the upcoming season.
For de Ligt, it represents an opportunity to reignite his career under a familiar manager in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.