Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt’s desire is still to join Manchester United this summer, but one obstacle stands in the way of completing the deal.
Manager Erik ten Hag has spoken about wanting to sign De Ligt for United, saying, “We have to wait and see if De Ligt will join us, I know him well.”
He added, “I wanted to sign him two years ago but he was out of reach and went to Bayern Munich, I assure you that this time I’m not the one who chooses him, but I certainly hope he joins us.”
Manchester United have signed Lille defender Lisandro Martinez in recent days, but Ten Hag is still keen to sign at least one more centre-back.
According to Sky Sports, De Ligt remains the Dutch manager’s top target, but the high financial demands from Bayern Munich are hindering the deal.
Bayern Munich are looking to recoup between €50 and €60 million, while Manchester United’s maximum bid for the deal is only €40 million.
Most likely, United are betting on Bayern Munich’s desperate need to sell De Ligt to balance the books, especially since the Bavarian club has signed Hiroki Ito and has a surplus in the center-back position.
The matter remains in the hands of Bayern Munich’s management, led by Max Eberl, and whether they will bow to the pressure from United and the player or stick to their stance and keep him for another season at the Allianz Arena.
