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Manchester United Identifies Key Target In Search For New Center-back
Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich center-back, Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
Following Raphael Varane’s departure at the end of the 2023-24 season, Manchester United’s defensive lineup has been significantly impacted.
Varane left the club on a free transfer, and there are rumblings that Victor Lindelof, the Swedish international, may also be sold this summer as he looks for more consistent playing opportunities.
Manchester United faced challenges with injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire last season, highlighting the urgency for them to bring in a new center-back ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Although Manchester United initially set their sights on Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, reports suggest they are prepared to withdraw from talks if Everton does not reduce their demands.
The Red Devils had a £43 million offer turned down and are hesitant to match Everton’s asking price of £70 million for the 22-year-old.
After failing to make progress in their pursuit of Branthwaite, Manchester United seems to be shifting their attention towards alternative targets.
The Athletic reports that they are eyeing a potential move for De Ligt, with the Bayern defender now identified as a ‘concrete target’.
The report claims that Man United are yet to make any formal contact with the German giants, but they are ‘seriously’ weighing up whether to step up their interest in the Netherlands international.
De Ligt is likely to be a cheaper option than Branthwaite despite being under contract with Bayern until the summer of 2027.
Red Devils are long-term admirers of De Ligt
Manchester United’s interest in De Ligt is not new, as they have been linked to the defender since his days at Ajax. The club showed interest before his transfer to Juventus in 2019 and once more when he made the move to Bayern in the summer of 2022.
Erik ten Hag is reportedly eager to reunite with De Ligt, having previously worked together for approximately 18 months at Ajax.
In the 2023-24 season, De Ligt faced challenges securing a regular starting position for Bayern, featuring in 16 out of the team’s 34 league matches due to selection choices and injury setbacks.
If he remains at the Allianz Arena, the Dutch player could encounter significant competition, as Bayern Munich is anticipated to recruit a new center-back to bolster their defensive lineup, which already features Eric Dier, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-Jae.
