Man Utd Deal to Sign Matthijs de Ligt is ‘Not Imminent’ Yet Despite intense speculation, sources confirm that Manchester United’s move for the Dutch sensation Matthijs de Ligt is still in the negotiation phase. The Red Devils are eager to bolster their defense with the talented center-back, but fans will need to stay patient. Talks are ongoing, and while optimism remains, an official announcement isn’t expected anytime soon. Stay tuned for more updates!
Manchester United are persisting in their efforts to secure Matthijs De Ligt, despite recent claims of an impending agreement with Bayern Munich, as disclosed by journalist David Ornstein.
Ornstein emphasizes that patience is key in United’s pursuit of De Ligt, who has been primarily focused on Euro 2024.
The 24-year-old defender has recently become a significant target for Manchester United after their bid to acquire Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite was unsuccessful. Everton remains firm on their £70m valuation of Branthwaite, who played a crucial role in helping the team avoid relegation last season alongside James Tarkowski.
United are determined to bring in a central defender to replace Raphael Varane, who announced his departure following the expiration of his contract.
**De Ligt Deal Requires Patience**
Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, revealed that Manchester United have not yet reached an agreement with Bayern Munich for De Ligt:
“Manchester United are actively working on the De Ligt deal. Some reports suggest a fee is close, but my sources indicate this isn’t necessarily accurate. As things stand, United are continuing their efforts, but I don’t have any sense of the deal being imminent or about to be finalized.
“Unless something unexpected happens, patience is needed. De Ligt is currently occupied with the Euros, so any immediate developments are unlikely.”
With Vincent Kompany recently appointed as manager, Bayern Munich plans to offload several players to rebound from a disappointing Bundesliga season, where they finished third behind Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart. They also parted ways with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel last month.
German journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Bayern is in urgent need of sales, aiming to offload six players this summer, including De Ligt and Joshua Kimmich, who has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Bayern has concerns over De Ligt’s injury history, as the 24-year-old played only 22 league matches last season, nine fewer than the previous season. Rated at approximately £43m by Bayern this summer, De Ligt could potentially reunite with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, recalling their successful time together at Ajax when De Ligt was just 19.
**Matthijs de Ligt Stats (Bundesliga 2023-24)**
– Games: 22
– Goals: 2
– Pass completion: 93.9%
– Aerials won per 90: 2.65
– Challenges lost per 90: 0.32
