Man Utd have 'GREEN LIGHT' to sign €90m duo - Romano

Cameron Smith

7 Jul 2024 15:34 BST
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have taken a major step forward in their bid to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee.

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The Red Devils are eager to sign both players this summer as they look to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd have received a “green light” to sign the Dutch duo, with both players wanting to join the club after discussions with Ten Hag.

De Ligt is expected to cost €50 million, while Zirkzee has a €40m release clause included in his current Bologna contract.

Man Utd are yet to agree a deal with either Bayern Munich or Bologna, but they are reportedly confident of reaching an agreement in the coming weeks.

AC Milan were previously considered the favourites to land Zirkzee, however a move to Old Trafford now seems more likely.

As for De Ligt, he is expected to arrive as Raphael Varane’s replacement, following the Frenchman’s exit upon the expiration of his contract.

Zirkzee scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 Bologna appearances last season, while De Ligt only started 16 Bundesliga games for Bayern amid significant competition from Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae and Eric Dier.

Both players are currently at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands, but De Ligt hasn’t mustered a single minute of action during the tournament so far, while Zirkzee has only played 10 minutes.

© IMAGO - Man Utd want to sign Joshua Zirkzee

Man Utd’s summer transfer plans

Man Utd are yet to purchase their first summer signing, although they have seen multiple players depart.

Alvaro Fernandez Carreras has been sold to Benfica for €6m, while Omari Forson, Anthony Martial, Brandon Williams, Shola Shoretire and the aforementioned Varane have left on free transfers.

In addition, Donny van de Beek is close to joining Girona on a permanent deal.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils’ pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite has stalled amid Everton’s asking price for the English defender.