Manchester United are making significant moves in the transfer market as they close in on signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The deal is expected to cost the Red Devils in excess of £50 million.
According to reports, Bayern have accepted a bid of £38.6 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons for De Ligt. The 24-year-old Dutch defender was the captain of Erik ten Hag’s Ajax side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. This acquisition would provide United with a much-needed boost in their central defense.
In addition to De Ligt, United are also set to secure the services of Mazraoui, a 26-year-old Moroccan defender. The fee for Mazraoui is reported to be £12.9 million. The right-back position has been identified as another area in need of strengthening by manager Erik ten Hag.
The potential arrival of Mazraoui has been linked to the departure of current right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is set to join West Ham after a deal was agreed between the two clubs. Wan-Bissaka joined United from Crystal Palace for a hefty fee of £50 million in 2019. Mazraoui would serve as a suitable replacement for the outgoing defender.
United’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has seen them target other players earlier in the summer. They had two bids for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite rejected, as the Merseyside club was holding out for a £70 million fee. In comparison, De Ligt presents a more affordable option and brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Both De Ligt and Mazraoui have played alongside United goalkeeper Andre Onana during their time at Ajax. De Ligt made a high-profile move to Juventus in 2019 for a fee of £67.5 million before joining Bayern in 2022 for £65.6 million. He has since made 73 appearances for the German club and won the Bundesliga title.
This potential double signing from Bayern Munich showcases Manchester United’s ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season. The acquisition of De Ligt and Mazraoui would address the team’s defensive deficiencies and provide a strong foundation for success in the Premier League. As the deal nears completion, United fans can look forward to a more solid and reliable backline for the 2024-2025 campaign.