Matthijs de Ligt, presently associated with Bayern Munich, is reportedly considering a departure this summer, reigniting Manchester United’s interest in the Dutch defender. De Ligt, known for his outstanding performances with Ajax in the 2018-2019 Champions League, initially joined Juventus before making a move to Bayern.
Upon Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Manchester United in 2022, he expressed interest in signing De Ligt, but the defender opted for Bayern instead. Recent reports indicate that the 24-year-old is dissatisfied with his current role at Bayern, having started only four league matches this season and being the third choice behind Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae in Thomas Tuchel’s defensive lineup.
Seeking a long-term defensive solution, Manchester United is once again eyeing De Ligt, with his potential availability at the end of the season linked to reported discontent. De Ligt’s standing at Bayern may face further challenges with the club’s interest in signing Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, potentially pushing him down the pecking order.
Sky Germany notes that De Ligt is among Bayern’s top earners, making a summer departure plausible if the right offer materializes. Manchester United is closely monitoring developments surrounding the defender’s future. Despite a knee injury during Bayern’s winter training camp in Portugal, De Ligt is expected to be available for the upcoming match against Werder Bremen.
Bayern manager Tuchel recognizes De Ligt’s importance and attributes his sporadic appearances to earlier season injury setbacks. Tuchel expressed commitment to De Ligt, stating, “We’re planning with Matthijs, [he’s a] top player and top guy.” While acknowledging the challenges De Ligt faced, he 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 compelling storyline, influenced by the player’s discontent, Bayern’s defensive recruitment plans, and United’s pursuit of defensive reinforcement.