How Man Utd's De Ligt lowball valuation differs from Branthwaite

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 29 Jun 2024 08:06 CDT
• 4 min read

Erik ten Hag wants to bring Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United, but there’s a catch.

Bayern Munich wants up to £60 million, while the Premier League giants are only willing to pay £30 million for the 24-year-old.

The club’s new co-owners, Ineos, have been accused of making offers far below the actual valuation of players this window. In the case of the Dutchman, this accusation certainly rings true. FootballTransfers’ Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) algorithm ranks De Ligt at €50.6m, meaning such an offer would fall short of the player’s market value.

The player has struggled with game time and injuries but is still contracted to Bayern until 2027, and his age is also a factor.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s first signing of the transfer window ‘INEVITABLE’ as Ten Hag ‘DELIGHTED’ with deal

Meanwhile, Man Utd made an offer for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite earlier this month. The offer, which was rejected by the Toffees, was said to be around £35m The youngster enjoyed a brilliant season at Goodison Park last term, contributing significantly to the club’s survival amid a points deduction.

Compared

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

VS

Matthijs de Ligt

D (C)

Bayern

Matthijs de Ligt

D (C)

Bayern

€26.2M	ETV	€50.6M
€19.6M - €32.7M	ETV Range	€37.9M - €63.2M
22 years old (27 Jun, 2002)	Age	25 years old (12 Aug, 1999)
England	Nationality	Netherlands

When the bid came in, there were many protests that the offer was too low. However, FootballTransfers’ ETV algorithm ranks the centre-back at €26.2 million, so the bid was higher than his market value.

Man Utd look to midfield targets

Furthermore, the club reportedly put in an offer for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. Reporter Ben Jacobs said that an offer was made by the Red Devils for £25 million, but the midfielder was deemed to be worth double that—£50 million.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

FootballTransfers values the 23-year-old at €41.8 million (£35.4 million). Man Utd are considering both players for next season, with each deal being independent of the other. Lille centre-half Leny Yoro has also been mentioned, but the player has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid, who are keen. Bayern paid Juventus £65 million for De Ligt in 2022, but he is expected to leave the club for much less.

Man Utd are looking to bolster their backline after Raphael Varane was released at the end of the season, and doubts remain over the futures of both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Jonny Evans could yet be given a one-year contract extension but it depends on who they bring in.