Transfer Centre

Man United learn De Ligt stance over potential transfer?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 July 2024

De Ligt 'makes decision' on potential Manchester United transfer

Manchester United reportedly learn whether Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is prepared to move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.

Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly decided whether he would be prepared to sign for Manchester United.

De Ligt has accumulated 61 starts and 12 substitute outings during his two seasons at the Allianz Arena, establishing himself as a regular option under different head coaches.

However, having spent time in and out of the team during 2023-24, an exit from the Bundesliga outfit during the summer transfer window appears increasingly likely.

In recent days, it has been widely reported that Man United hold an interest in signing the Netherlands international, who is no stranger to head coach Erik ten Hag.

The pair previously worked together at Ajax before De Ligt made the big-money switch to Juventus in 2019, with Ten Hag remaining in Amsterdam for a further three years.

Manchester United's Erik ten Hag celebrates in August 2023 © Reuters

Ten Hag given De Ligt boost

Although five years have passed since they last worked together, Ten Hag has given his backing to United's footballing operations team making a sustained bid to sign his former player.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, De Ligt has 'given the green light' to complete a move to Man United over the coming weeks.

Romano says that direct contact has been made with the 24-year-old's camp as they bid to successfully wrap up negotiations as soon as possible.

Personal terms are expected to agreed with it being added that there are only discussions being held with Man United at this stage.

The Premier League and Bundesliga giants must now try to reach an agreement over a fee, it having previously been claimed that €50m (£42.35m) will be enough to get a deal over the line.

Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt reacts on September 15, 2023 © Reuters

Would De Ligt signing end centre-back chase?

With Raphael Varane having left on a free transfer, United would effectively only be replacing the World Cup winner if they sign De Ligt.

While the positive would be signing a proven world-class defender in the spot of another, and at a younger age, Ten Hag needs De Ligt to complement his other options.

De Ligt would compete with Lautaro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, providing that the latter two remain at the club, while Jonny Evans and Willy Kambwala would provide further backup.

As a result of De Ligt currently being at Euro 2024 with Netherlands, no deal will be finalised until the end of their participation in Germany.