Man Utd's De Ligt deal in jeopardy as Bayern Munich make transfer decision

Updated: 8 Aug 2024 19:46 BST
3 min read

Matthijs de Ligt, Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Manchester United’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt could be over after Bayern Munich made a crucial transfer decision that could impact the future of the defender.

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De Ligt has been a target for United this summer, who are looking to sign another centre-back after seeing new signing Leny Yoro pick up an injury ruling him out for at least three months.

Talks had been ongoing with Bayern for De Ligt, with personal terms already agreed between the Dutchman and United but the transfer was put on hold with the Premier League side looking to raise fund through sales.

However, an injury to Bayern’s new defensive signing Hiroki Ito has caused the club to hesitate on De Ligt’s sale and there could be a further hammerblow to United’s chances of bringing in the 24-year-old.

Bayern were hoping to sign Jonathan Tah as an additional defensive reinforcement which would have accelerated De Ligt’s departure, but despite agreeing a deal with Bayer Leverkusen last month, they had not progressed talks with the 28-year-old.

And now, according to German outlet kicker, Bayern have opted against signing Tah, with some at the club not convinced over the centre-back, leaving United in limbo over De Ligt.

© IMAGO - Jonathan Tah had agreed to move to Bayern Munich.

United still in talks over De Ligt with Bayern

But United may still be able to sign De Ligt this summer despite Bayern positioning themselves to go into the new season with their current defensive crop.

Bayern are still hoping to sign Rennes wonderkid Desire Doue for a fee of around €60 million, however a deal is unable to be completed until the Bundesliga side first make sales.

With De Ligt on high wages and not relied on as a starter by Vincent Kompany, Bayern would still be open to selling the ex-Ajax star for the right price and they are still thought to be in talks with United over a move.

United are also hoping to sign Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern in a double deal with De Ligt, meaning there is still hope for Erik ten Hag even if the Tah decision has undoubtedly proven a setback.