Transfer Centre

Man United 'offer' Bundesliga defender a five-year deal

By Carter White | 01 July 2024

Dutchman to Old Trafford? Man United 'close' to defender acquisition

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt, who will agree to a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, who is set to move to Old Trafford 'imminently'.

The 24-year-old is currently away on international duty with Netherlands, who are gunning for Euro 2024 glory in the knockout stages of the competition.

De Ligt is yet to feature in the tournament, being an unused substitute in each of his nation's Group D fixtures against Austria, France and Poland.

Captain Virgil van Dijk is the first name on the teamsheet for Ronald Koeman, while Stefan de Vrij is taking the second spot at the heart of the Netherlands' backline.

Although unlikely, De Ligt will be pushing for a first appearance of Euro 2024 when his side face surprise package Romania on Tuesday evening in a last-16 clash.

Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt during the warm up before the match on February 24, 2024 © Reuters

Man United closing in on De Ligt transfer?

According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Manchester United are closing in on a move for Bayern Munich defender De Ligt ahead of the new term.

It was reported late last month that the Red Devils head coach was seriously considering a deal for the 24-year-old, who has struggled to cement his spot in the starting XI of the Bavarian giants.

Man United are allegedly set to hand De Ligt a five-year contract at Old Trafford, where he will look to become part of a new era of success under compatriot Ten Hag.

The former Ajax youngster secured a high-profile switch from Italian side Juventus to Bayern in the summer of 2022 for a fee of around £68m.

A deal between Vincent Kompany's men and Man United is expected soon, meaning that De Ligt would become the club's first major summer arrival.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite on May 11, 2024 (IMAGO) © Imago

Further defensive reinforcements ahead

With his contract at Allianz Arena expiring during the summer of 2027, a deal for De Ligt is not set to be a cheap one for Manchester United.

However, it is said that the Red Devils will continue to fight for other defensive targets even if the Dutchman joins the club, meaning that a major backline rebuild is on the cards.

Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has been extensively linked to Man United this window, with Ten Hag's men preparing to submit an improved offer of £42m.

However, it is believed that Sean Dyche's Toffees are holding out for close to £70m for the 22-year-old, who was arguably unlucky to miss out of Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad for Euro 2024.