Manchester United Confident in Signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for Less Than £60m

Manchester United Confident in Signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for Less Than £60m

Manchester United is optimistic about securing the signatures of Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The club has submitted an initial double offer to the Bundesliga champions, which, despite being rejected, has not deterred United’s confidence in closing the deal for less than £60 million.

Manchester United, under the management of Erik ten Hag, is determined to strengthen its defense before the Premier League season kicks off. The club has identified de Ligt and Mazraoui as key targets. Both players are seen as surplus to requirements at Bayern Munich, and their availability has prompted United to make a strategic move​ ​.

The initial bid, reportedly around £60 million, was made with optimism from both United and the players’ representatives. The proposal was anticipated to meet Bayern Munich’s valuation, considering that the club had informed de Ligt and Mazraoui earlier in the summer that they were not part of future plans and that Bayern would be willing to compromise on transfer fees​ .

Despite these assurances, Bayern Munich rejected the bid, leading to some confusion among the players’ camps. De Ligt and Mazraoui, represented by agent Rafaela Pimenta, had been under the impression that a reasonable offer from United would be sufficient to facilitate their transfers. This rejection has prompted further negotiations.

Manchester United remains in a strong negotiating position. The club has reportedly agreed on personal terms with both players, and with Bayern Munich clearly interested in offloading them, United is hopeful that a slightly improved bid will be accepted. The club aims to have both players available for their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16, 2024​.

United’s management is focused on bolstering the squad, particularly the defense, following an injury to new signing Leny Yoro during pre-season. De Ligt, a versatile center-back, and Mazraoui, who can play both right-back and left-back, are seen as ideal additions to provide the necessary depth and quality in the defensive lineup​ ​.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui underscores the club’s ambition to solidify its defense and compete at the highest level in the upcoming season. With ongoing negotiations, the club remains confident in finalizing the deals and integrating the players into the squad ahead of their Premier League campaign.