Manchester United are nearing a deal for Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, a move expected to exceed £50 million. According to the BBC, Bayern have accepted a bid from United of £38.6 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons for De Ligt, who captained Erik ten Hag’s Ajax team that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
Additionally, United are set to pay £12.9 million for 26-year-old Morocco defender Mazraoui.
United has prioritized strengthening their central defense and right-back positions in Erik ten Hag’s squad. Ten Hag mentioned last weekend that the club’s new leadership is “eager” to finalize transfers. Mazraoui’s signing is thought to be linked to the departure of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined United from Crystal Palace for £50 million in 2019.
The Red Devils have reached an agreement with West Ham for Wan-Bissaka, who is scheduled to undergo a medical with the Hammers on Monday. United’s earlier attempts to sign Everton’s England international Jarrad Branthwaite were rebuffed, with the Merseyside club insisting on their £70 million asking price.
Given this, De Ligt, 24, is viewed as a more affordable option with greater experience.
Both De Ligt and Mazraoui played in front of United goalkeeper Andre Onana during their time at Ajax. De Ligt transferred to Juventus in 2019 for £67.5 million, winning one Serie A title and one Coppa Italia in 117 appearances before joining Bayern in 2022 for £65.6 million. He has since made 73 appearances for the German club and won the Bundesliga.
