Spanish Giants Set to Outbid United in Pursuit of Dutch Defender
Real Madrid are reportedly looking to hijack Manchester United’s deal for Matthijs de Ligt as the Premier League club struggles to agree on a fee with Bayern Munich.
Manchester United have been active in the summer transfer market under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, making two significant signings. Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee has joined from Bologna to boost Erik ten Hag’s attacking options, while young French centre-back Leny Yoro has been signed from Lille.
United are keen to add at least one more centre-back this summer, with de Ligt, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and Benfica’s Antonio Silva all linked. Reports have suggested for weeks that de Ligt has agreed to personal terms with Manchester United, indicating his eagerness for the transfer.
The Red Devils have reportedly made a £29m bid for de Ligt, which was turned down by Bayern Munich, who are holding out for €50m (£42m). Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted that Manchester United are unwilling to meet Bayern’s asking price in a single payment or without add-ons. “Man United have an agreement with Matthijs de Ligt, but outgoings are crucial, and at the moment, Man United will never agree to pay 50 million euros in one solution or with no add-ons,” Romano explained.
Amid these negotiations, reports from Spain claim that Real Madrid are attempting to hijack the deal. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly willing to offer €40m (£34m) for de Ligt, slightly more than Manchester United’s bid. This amount is the same Perez was willing to spend on Yoro before being outbid by United, and he reportedly does not want to spend another euro on a centre-back.
Christian Falk provided an update on Man Utd’s interest in de Ligt, stating that Bayern Munich “have to sell” the player this summer. Falk wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Manchester United made a new offer of €30m (plus €5m in add-ons) for Matthijs de Ligt. Bayern are looking for over €50m; the idea is €50m plus €10m. At the moment, it’s not working, but Bayern Munich have already made the mistake of buying too many players and everybody knows they have to sell, so the prices will be falling. In the end, I think Bayern and United will find an agreement. Bayern have to sell and de Ligt knows that he has no future in Munich.”
With Real Madrid now in the fray, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United can secure de Ligt’s signature or if the Dutch defender will be heading to the Bernabeu.
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