Matthijs de Ligt, currently with Bayern Munich, is reportedly open to a potential departure this summer, rekindling Manchester United’s interest in the Dutch defender. De Ligt, renowned for his standout performances with Ajax in the 2018-2019 Champions League, subsequently joined Juventus before moving to Bayern.
Erik ten Hag, now at Manchester United, had expressed interest in signing De Ligt upon his arrival in 2022, but the defender opted for Bayern instead.
Recent reports suggest that the 24-year-old is discontent with his current role at Bayern, where he has started only four league matches this season, being third choice behind Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae in Thomas Tuchel’s defensive lineup.
United, seeking a long-term defensive option, is eyeing De Ligt again, and their pursuit could be facilitated by the player’s reported dissatisfaction and potential availability at the end of the season. De Ligt’s standing at Bayern might face further challenges with the club’s interest in signing Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, possibly pushing him down the pecking order.
Sky Germany notes that De Ligt is among Bayern’s top earners, making his departure in the summer plausible if the right offer materializes. Manchester United is closely monitoring developments surrounding the defender’s future.
Despite a knee injury suffered during Bayern’s winter training camp in Portugal, De Ligt is expected to be available for the upcoming match against Werder Bremen. Tuchel, the Bayern manager, recognizes De Ligt’s importance and attributes his sporadic appearances to injury setbacks earlier in the season.
Tuchel expressed his commitment to De Ligt, stating, “We’re planning with Matthijs, [he’s a] top player and top guy.” He acknowledged the challenges De Ligt faced with injuries but emphasized the defender’s significance in the club’s long-term plans.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the potential move of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich to Manchester United remains a storyline to watch, influenced by the player’s discontent, Bayern’s defensive recruitment plans, and United’s pursuit of defensive reinforcement.
