Manchester United and Matthijs de Ligt have agreed to a five-year contract in principle, with the Red Devils ready to pay €40 million to Bayern Munich.
According to reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Matthijs de Ligt is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils view the 24-year-old as their top defensive target for the summer transfer window. The two parties have an agreement in principle on a five-year contract, with the club ready to fork out €40 million plus add-ons to sign him from Bayern Munich.
Matthijs de Ligt and his topsy-turvy Bayern Munich ride
Matthijs de Ligt has blown hot and cold since joining Bayern Munich from Juventus in a big-money deal in July 2022. The Dutchman was once among the most highly-rated young defenders in the world during his time at his boyhood club, Ajax, but has seen his stock fall in the last few years.
The 24-year-old battled fitness issues while being in and out of the starting lineup at Bayern Munich in the 2023/24 season. The player managed less than 2,000 minutes of game time across 30 appearances across all competitions while chipping in with two goals and one assist.
Matthijs de Ligt’s struggles at Bayern Munich have created widespread speculation surrounding his long-term future at Bayern Munich. The Dutch defender has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, with Manchester United among his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United interested
Manchester United’s interest in Matthijs de Ligt is understandable. The Red Devils have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window after losing Raphael Varane as a free agent. In addition, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire face an uncertain future at Manchester United.
The 24-year-old Dutchman has thus emerged as a viable target for Manchester United. Recent reports have claimed that de Ligt has approved a summer move to Old Trafford. The latest update has revealed that Manchester United and de Ligt have an agreement in principle over a five-year contract.
The Red Devils are willing to offer a base fee worth €40 million to Bayern Munich. The deal will also include add-ons, with Manchester United hoping to succeed with the bid after convincing the Dutch defender to move to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.
