Manchester United’s new boss Erik ten Hag is keen on bringing in Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
According to journalist Oriol Domenech, as relayed by Express, Matthijs de Ligt has become a fresh transfer target at Manchester United. It appears the club’s new manager Erik ten Tag wants the board to go after the Juventus centre-back in the summer as he eyes a potential reunion at Old Trafford next season.
De Ligt had made his professional breakthrough under the leadership of ten Hag. The young defender made crucial baby steps and furnished his ball-winning abilities at Ajax to eventually become arguably the most talented young centre-back in world football and earn a big-money move to Juventus in 2019.
During his time at Juve, the defender has racked up 115 competitive appearances. He has become a lynchpin in the club’s backline alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, although the Dutchman hasn’t enjoyed the desired success, with Juventus underperforming in both Serie A and Champions League over the past couple of seasons.
Juventus most recently lost the Coppa Italia final to Inter Milan, meaning Massimiliano Allegri’s men will have to endure a trophyless campaign. And even though Champions League football has been secured, the club might not be able to keep hold of their defensive asset in Matthijs de Ligt.
Already a transfer target for Barcelona and Chelsea, many expect the former Ajax starlet to put an end to his spell at Juventus in the coming summer, in favour of a new challenge. That could come in the form of a move to Old Trafford, with Manchester United joining the race to sign the centre-back. Given the player’s rapport with ten Hag, the youngster could be tempted to join the Premier League club next season.
The 22-year-old could be an ideal defensive partner for Raphael Varane, adding more depth and quality to the Manchester United backline. It could further help the Red Devils offload unwanted stars such as Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, with the former already being linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Luring de Ligt from Juventus, though, could be a tricky task. Despite his relationship with ten Hag, the Dutchman is unlikely to find the prospect of playing no Champions League football appealing while he also faces significant competition from Maguire and Victor Lindelof for a place in the starting eleven.
A move to Chelsea, in that regard, could make much more sense, with the Blues reportedly eyeing him as the direct replacement for Antonio Rudiger. Having also gotten rid of their ownership issues, the European champions might consider splashing the cash for a star player like de Ligt, as the new owners look to flex their financial muscles.
