Manchester United are finally set to complete the transfer for Matthijs de Ligt and end this lengthy saga. The centre-back will strengthen the squad, especially given injuries and outgoing departures in his position.
Manchester United Agree Matthijs de Ligt Deal With Bayern Munich
‘Here We Go’: £40 Million Fee Agreed
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that de Ligt is set to join Manchester United. The German giants “accept” a €45 million fixed fee with an additional €5 million in add-ons, which will be paid across three years. This is a good deal for United, considering they were once interested in the £70 million rated Jarrad Branthwaite.
Read More: Two New Faces and a Behind the Scenes Revamp: Manchester United Predicted Lineup 2024/25
Personal terms have been agreed with the 24-year-old, who will sign a five-year deal with an option to extend an extra year. This deal happens in conjuncture with the signing of fellow Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui, and the sale of Aaron Wan Bissaka to West Ham.
How Does Matthijs de Ligt Strengthen Manchester United Ahead of the 2024/25 Season?
Signing the “world-class” defender is a big boost to the squad, as Erik ten Hag’s defence is looking quite thin. There have been many defensive outgoings: promising centre-back Willy Kambwala was sold, both Raphael Varane and Brandon Williams had contracts expire, whilst Wan Bissaka is of course on his way out.
Read More: Manchester United Target Refuses to Discuss New Contract Amidst Interest
Exacerbating this, Leny Yoro is now out for three months after suffering a metatarsal injury during a pre-season in which he was performing quite impressively. De Ligt signing means that ten Hag will start the season with two high-quality centre-backs in the Dutchman and Lisandro Martinez.
However, there are questions to be asked about what happens when Yoro returns. There will be three very talented, relatively young centre-backs in a formation that only starts two. A £40 million+ signing will be sitting on the bench with his development being stunted, which is not ideal.
