As Manchester United continues its quest for reinforcements in the central-defensive position, the club has identified Matthijs de Ligt as a key target for the upcoming season. The 22-year-old Dutch defender, currently a player for Bayern Munich, has emerged as a prime candidate to bolster the team’s defence.
De Ligt has been on United’s radar for an extended period, with the club expressing interest in the player during the current transfer window. However, an official offer is yet to be submitted. The young defender previously demonstrated his talents while playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, where he played a crucial role in the team’s impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
With the departure of Raphael Varane and the expiration of Jonny Evans’ contract, United is in urgent need of defensive reinforcements. Negotiations are ongoing with Evans for a possible contract extension, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also have only one year left on their current contracts. The club is considering the acquisition of at least one, if not two central defenders during this transfer window.
While United’s pursuit of De Ligt is ongoing, they have encountered obstacles in their attempts to secure other defensive targets. A bid of £35 million for Jarrad Branthwaite was rejected by Everton, and the club is reluctant to return with an improved offer unless the valuation of the English international is reduced. Everton currently values Branthwaite at a minimum of £70 million.
Having joined Juventus for €75 million in 2019 and subsequently moved to Bayern for €67 million in 2021, the acquisition of De Ligt would undoubtedly require a significant financial investment from Manchester United. The Dutch defender spent a portion of last season on the bench under former manager Thomas Tuchel, but the recent appointment of Vincent Kompany may alter his situation at the German club.
In addition to their pursuit of a new centre-back, Manchester United is also exploring options to strengthen their midfield and attack. Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee are among the names being considered, as the club aims to improve upon their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League during the 2023-24 season.
As the club remains active in the transfer market, fans eagerly await updates on potential new signings and departures. With the upcoming season on the horizon, Manchester United’s ambitions to strengthen the squad are clear, with hopes of making a strong comeback in the league.