Erik ten Hag is eyeing a reunion with Matthijs de Ligt at Manchester United
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have begun internal discussions over a potential summer swoop for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.
After their worst finish in the Premier League last season, the Red Devils are looking to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window. Even though the club won the FA Cup by beating cross-town rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the final, the Erik ten Hag-managed side’s performances throughout the campaign were far from satisfactory.
Needless to say, Manchester United’s displays last season were hampered by an injury crisis, especially at the back, where Erik ten Hag had to field 16 different centre-back combinations. Thus, it makes sense for the 20-time English champions to bolster their defensive unit as a top priority.
Writing on X, Florian Plettenberg states Matthijs de Ligt has emerged on the Premier League club’s radar primarily because of Ten Hag. There have been no concrete moves from Manchester United thus far as they are in the initial stages of gathering information on the Dutchman and his chances of leaving Bayern Munich this summer.
Matthijs de Ligt, 24, surprisingly lost his place to Eric Dier in the second half of last season and, with Bayern signing Hiroki Ito from VfB Stuttgart earlier this week and also eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, the Dutchman will fall further below in the defensive pecking order.
The 24-year-old, who is currently preparing with the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, will be allowed to leave Bayern this summer in case a suitable offer arrives. He could cost Man United in the region of €50m, the Sky Sports reporter adds.
INEOS have started their work behind the scenes and recently tabled a £45m offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Given Raphael Varane will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June, Jonny Evans is well past his best years, and Harry Maguire is no longer a guaranteed starter, Man United could sign two central defenders this summer.
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Along with Branthwaite, De Ligt would be a cracking signing for the Red Devils. The Dutchman’s aerial prowess, composure on the ball and command on the field make him a superb partner for Martinez, who is expected to play a pivotal role next term. Also, Ten Hag is understood to be keen on a reunion at Old Trafford, having worked with the Netherlands international at Ajax for two seasons.
If De Ligt signals he is open to leaving Bayern this summer, we must not hesitate to secure his signature.
