La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are eyeing a summer move for 24-year-old Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, a target for Manchester United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Matthijs de Ligt is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are in the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. And they have set their sights on the 24-year-old Bayern Munich defender, a target for Manchester United.
Matthijs de Ligt at Bayern Munich: The Story So Far
Matthijs de Ligt has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Bayern Munich from Juventus in July 2022. The Dutchman has been among the most highly sought-after defenders in the world since he broke out at Ajax, becoming the club’s youngest-ever captain in 2018.
Since leaving Ajax, the 24-year-old has been on a rollercoaster ride, striving to be the undisputed first-choice centre-back at both Juventus and Bayern Munich. But despite never achieving that objective, his stock remains high. That is especially true this season, with de Ligt managing less than 900 minutes of game time yet attracting high-profile clubs.
Widespread reports have linked Matthijs de Ligt with several European bigwigs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea. But Real Madrid’s entry into the equation complicates matters for his other suitors, especially erstwhile front-runners Manchester United.
Real Madrid Battle Manchester United for Matthijs de Ligt
Real Madrid’s interest in de Ligt is understandable, considering they are in the market for a centre-back. With David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho on the wrong side of 30, the Merengues need a younger centre-back in the first-team squad. The Dutch defender has thus emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid.
As for Manchester United, recent reports have claimed that they lead the race to sign him. The Red Devils are in the market for a right-footed centre-back amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof. So, Matthijs de Ligt can be Lisandro Martinez’s long-term central defensive partner.
As iterated earlier, Real Madrid’s entry complicates matters for de Ligt’s other suitors, considering Los Blancos’ appeal to most players. So, it will be interesting to see where the 24-year-old plies his trade if he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.
