De Ligt to Man Utd? Bayern legend hints at big-money move

Cameron Smith

21 Jul 2024 16:00 BST
3 min read

Matthijs de Ligt, Man Utd, Bayern Munich — © IMAGO

Manchester United have been given fresh hope in their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

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The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but rumours of a move have died down in recent weeks due to Man Utd’s pursuit of Leny Yoro.

The Red Devils have completed the signing of French wonderkid Yoro and he made his debut during a 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Rangers on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag’s side are still expected to push for another new centre-back this summer, although this will only happen if they are able to sell one of their current stars, FootballTransfers understands.

In addition, Everton are set to offer Jarrad Branthwaite a bumper new contract in order to ward off interest from Man Utd, as per The Mirror.

As a result, De Ligt is currently the most likely candidate to seal an Old Trafford move if the Red Devils are able to sell one of their current centre-backs.

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De Ligt has made 73 appearances for Bayern since joining the club for €67 million in 2022, while he has won two major honours during his time in Bavaria.

The Dutchman will extend his record as the world’s most expensive defender of all time, in regards to cumulative transfer fees, if he signs for Man Utd this summer.

© IMAGO - Matthijs de Ligt could join Man Utd this summer

Matthijs de Ligt to join Man Utd?

Former Bayern Munich club president Uli Hoeness has hinted that De Ligt could well leave the Allianz Arena this summer.

He told Maximilian Koch: “It's possible that a defender will leave. De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Manchester United is Dutch…

“I would have no problem if he stays. Personally, I would not sell [Dayot] Upamecano.”

Bayern have already signed Eric Dier and Hiroki Ito so far this summer, while they are also pushing to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah as they anticipate De Ligt’s possible departure.