Barcelona and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing 24-year-old Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Matthijs de Ligt might not be at Bayern Munich heading into the summer transfer window. The Bavarian giants are considering parting ways with him in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Manchester United are in a three-way battle for the 24-year-old centre-back.
Matthijs de Ligt and his career so far
Matthijs de Ligt has been one of the best young defenders in the world for over half a decade. The Dutchman rose in prominence during his spell with Ajax, becoming the club captain while still in his teens. His stint with Ajax captured the attention of several high-profile clubs before Juventus prised him away in July 2019.
The 24-year-old was not a happy camper at the Allianz Stadium, even though he won the Serie A title with the Bianconeri. Bayern Munich snapped him up in July 2022, with de Ligt adding a league title in a third country in the 2022/23 season. However, the player’s stock fell this season, as he managed less than 2,000 minutes of game time in 30 appearances across all competitions.
However, de Ligt’s stock in the market remains high, with several high-profile clubs keen on signing him in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich might part ways with the Dutch defender, thus alerting his prospective suitors like Barcelona and Manchester United.
A man in demand
Barcelona’s interest in Matthijs de Ligt is understandable. The Blaugrana considered signing the 24-year-old before he joined Juventus from Ajax half a decade ago. Meanwhile, the eagerness to secure the Bayern Munich defender’s services this summer stems from the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde.
Both Barcelona defenders are reported targets for Manchester United, with the Red Devils also vying for Matthijs de Ligt’s signature. The Red Devils are parting ways with Raphael Varane this summer, with the Frenchman departing as a free agent. So, the Bayern Munich defender is an option worth considering.
Barcelona and Manchester United face stiff competition from PSG in the race to sign the Dutch defender from the Bundesliga club. It will be interesting to see where the 24-year-old plies his trade next season.
