Manchester United is intensifying their interest in Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, according to sources at ESPN. The club has already made contact with De Ligt’s representatives and is gearing up for an official approach to Bayern. This move comes after United hit a roadblock in negotiations with Everton regarding Jarrad Branthwaite.
Transfer Targets for United
Manager Erik ten Hag is adamant about securing a new centre-back this summer to fill the void left by Raphaël Varane’s departure. Alongside De Ligt, Manchester United is also eyeing Lille’s Leny Yoro and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi. However, Real Madrid seems to be leading the race for Yoro, while Liverpool is keeping tabs on Guéhi’s progress post his impressive performances for England at Euro 2024.
United’s interest in De Ligt dates back to his breakthrough days at Ajax. Despite missing out on signing him before his move to Juventus, the club still views him as a valuable asset. De Ligt’s tenure at Bayern has seen him struggle to secure a regular spot in the lineup, especially with the arrival of Kim Min-Jae and potential transfer of Jonathan Tah. This situation has prompted United to explore the possibility of bolstering their defensive options with the Dutch international.
Acquiring a new centre-back is a crucial component of Manchester United’s summer transfer plan. In addition to defensive reinforcements, the club is also keen on bringing in a striker and a central midfielder. The impending departures of Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire have opened up the opportunity for United to revamp their backline. Fenerbahce has shown interest in Lindelöf, but negotiations are yet to commence.
Financial Constraints and Squad Restructuring
While United is eager to strengthen their defense, the recruitment team is cognizant of the financial constraints and the need to balance the squad. Should Lindelöf or Maguire depart, the club will intensify efforts to secure two centre-backs. Furthermore, the departure of Anthony Martial has created a vacancy for a new striker, adding another layer of complexity to United’s summer transfer dealings. Discussions with Jonny Evans regarding a contract extension are ongoing to provide stability in defense.