Man United are now in talks over signing Matthijs de Ligt on a permanent deal, with the interest said to be mutual.
Raphael Varane was allowed to leave on a free transfer this summer. With that, Manchester United have a gaping hole to fill within the squad. Erik ten Hag has no choice but to sign a top-tier centre-back. preferably one who can start every single game and help build some consistency across the defence.
Jarrad Branthwaite felt like the number one target, though the 20-time Premier League champions may well be priced out of a move. Hence, links to Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt are starting to grow in frequency.
Today, Florian Plettenberg has provided the latest on that front. He says that United and Bayern are now in ‘contact’ over the permanent signing of the centre-half.
Apparently, the player is ‘keen’ on a move, with De Ligt’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, working on a ‘top solution’. It seems like the transfer is progressing in the right direction, though there are no ‘total agreements’ in place as of yet.
Check out Florian Plettenberg’s X post on the news here:
🚨🔴 Been told Manchester United and FC Bayern are now in contact about a permanent deal of Matthijs de Ligt! #MUFC
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 1, 2024
Understand De Ligt‘s agent Rafaela Pimenta working on a top solution. De Ligt, keen to join ManUtd and Ten Hag as reported – but there are no total agreements… pic.twitter.com/1d1cQUWyHd
Ten Hag has a tendency to surround himself with familiarity. Hence, why a move for De Ligt would make total sense. There’s the Dutch connection there, while both have spent time at Ajax in the past.
As a defender, there aren’t many better in world football than De Ligt. He’s a top tier central defender with experience aplenty under his belt, despite the fact he’s still only 24.
De Ligt feels like the perfect compliment to the aggressive Lisandro Martinez. The pair have a similar skillset to the combination of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and if they’re even half as good as that combination, United could do alright next season.
Do you think a Man United move to sign Matthijs de Ligt would make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
At the right price De Ligt would be a good buy . He has had problems with injuries which is a bit of a worry. I would really like to see us buy a center back with real pace as well as size to compliment Martinez .But who knows may bee we might buy some one who fits that profile as well as De Ligt especially if we sold Harry Maguire