Matthijs de Ligt remains interested in a transfer to Manchester United, even as the club finalizes deal for Leny Yoro.
United recently secured the teenage talent Yoro from Lille for £52 million. Demonstrating new shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s commitment to strengthening the squad as the club seeks to restore its former glory. Initially, it seemed Yoro would head to Real Madrid, but United’s higher bid clinched his signature. The focus now shifts to other potential centre-back signings.
De Ligt, currently at Bayern Munich, has been linked to United in recent weeks. Despite some reports suggesting he wishes to stay in Germany, Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Dutchman is still keen on a move to Old Trafford if United proceeds with their interest in adding another defender.
With Raphael Varane leaving the club and Victor Lindelof potentially on the way out, United needed a new centre-half. Yoro is expected to pair well with Lisandro Martinez, who missed much of last season due to injury. Harry Maguire’s future also remains uncertain, contingent on further signings.
United prioritized Yoro over De Ligt but still maintain an interest in the Dutch defender. De Ligt has not publicly commented on his happiness at Bayern. Gianluca Di Marzio stated, “The problem is that Manchester United signed Leny Yoro from Lille, so we will see if Manchester United will sign two defenders. I know they want two new defenders, so I don’t think Yoro’s arrival will change Man United’s program for Matthijs de Ligt. Matthijs is focused on going to Manchester United, he wants to be there. But I think there is no agreement between the two clubs yet and United’s offer is not enough to complete the deal.”
Historically, De Ligt has been skeptical of a move to United. In 2019, after a stellar season with Ajax, a source close to De Ligt said. “Matthijs is going to become the best defender in the world. He will have the choice to join whoever he wants, but he has no interest in going to United. They are not the attractive proposition they once were.”
Despite playing in the Europa League this season, the current project at United appears more appealing than in 2019. De Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are on United’s radar, but it remains to be seen if they will secure either player.
Leave a Reply