MEDICAL COMPLETED: Player completes Man United’s medical as he’s spotted outside Old Trafford ahead of the announcement today
Despite already having signed Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille, Man Utd want to sign another centre-back to bolster the club’s defence. They have been trying to sign Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt but the negotiations are proceeding at a snail’s pace.
We covered a story that the 24-year-old had already agreed to a five-year deal with the Red Devils which will see him earn around £170,000 a week. This works out to around £44.2m, should the Dutchman see out his contract at Old Trafford.
According to German outlet BILD, Man Utd have tabled an initial €35m bid for the ex-Juventus centre-back but Bayern are holding out for €50m. Having signed Yoro though, it looks like the Red Devils are prepared to play the long game.
Dan Ashworth & co. have realized that they have the upper hand in this negotiation as not selling De Ligt is preventing Bayern from closing a deal for Jonathan Tah. We covered a story about how we think Man Utd are trying to force the German giants’ hand by making a move for the Bayer Leverkusen defender.
De Ligt brings a lot to the table. Despite being just 24 years old, he already comes with a wealth of experience. He captained Ajax when he was just 19 years old and has gone on to play for some of the biggest clubs in Italy and Germany.
Having already played under Erik ten Hag, the player is unlikely to face any difficulties adapting to the coach’s method.
What he will also get is someone who trusts him and backs him to become one of the best centre-backs in the league.
Despite having this wealth of experience, De Ligt’s career has not hit the heights once imagined but it’s not too late. The Dutchman is not even close to the prime years of his career and a move to Old Trafford can put him on the right track.
At Man Utd, De Ligt is likely to walk in as a starter alongside Lisandro Martinez. This is a no-brainer for the Red Devils and let’s hope they can get Bayern to agree to sell him with an appropriate offer.
