Manchester United has bolstered its defensive lineup by securing the transfers of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, the club announced on Tuesday. The acquisition of these two defenders marks a significant enhancement to United’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.
The deals for de Ligt and Mazraoui are reported to cost Manchester United a combined total of £60 million (approximately $77.2 million), including add-ons, according to U.S. broadcaster ESPN. Notably, de Ligt’s individual transfer fee is highlighted by German football transfer website Transfermarkt at €45 million (around $49.5 million), which is below his latest market value of €65 million (about $71.5 million).
De Ligt’s transfer history reflects his high-profile status in European football. Bayern Munich previously acquired him from Juventus in July 2022 for €67 million (approximately $73.7 million). Prior to that, Juventus had signed him from Ajax in 2019 for €85.5 million (about $94 million).
At just 24 years old, de Ligt has already secured league titles across three major European leagues. He won the Eredivisie with Ajax in the 2018-19 season, lifted the Serie A trophy with Juventus in the 2019-20 campaign, and clinched the Bundesliga championship with Bayern Munich in the 2022-23 season.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Manchester United, de Ligt said, “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club. In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out and the role they saw for me in it.”
De Ligt is also looking forward to reuniting with manager Erik ten Hag, under whom he previously played at Ajax. “Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again,” de Ligt added. “I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”
Noussair Mazraoui also shared his excitement about the move and reuniting with ten Hag. “Erik ten Hag played an important part in my development as a player,” Mazraoui said. “So it is exciting to be reuniting with him as I enter the prime years of my career. I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful.”
The addition of de Ligt and Mazraoui signifies Manchester United’s commitment to strengthening their defense and competing at the highest levels of European football. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these strategic signings impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Reference(s):
Manchester United sign defenders De Ligt, Mazraoui from Bayern Munich
cgtn.com
