Manchester United begin talks to sign €50 million-rated Bayern Munich star: Reports

Manchester United have reportedly initiated discussions with Bayern Munich to secure the signing of defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer. The Red Devils are seeking a replacement for Raphael Varane and consider the Dutchman to be the perfect candidate.

According to TodoFichajes, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are optimistic about finalizing a €50 million (£42.5m) deal for the defender. Erik ten Hag is spearheading the move, as he aims to have a new defender in place before pre-season. Varane has departed Manchester United following the expiration of his contract this summer. Although the Red Devils have shown interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton’s reported asking price of over £80 million for the youngster is a significant hurdle.

Meanwhile, De Ligt has fallen out of favor at Bayern Munich and is reportedly seeking an exit. Having played under Ten Hag at Ajax, a reunion seems plausible.

Former Manchester United player Jonathan Spector has urged the club to prioritize Matthijs de Ligt over Jarrad Branthwaite. Speaking to Metro earlier this year, Spector stated that de Ligt would be a better fit for the club due to his experience and defensive prowess.

“I haven’t seen a lot of Jarrad, but in the games I’ve seen him play, he’s done well. Yeah and no disrespect to Jarrad as he’s a very good player, but I do think for a club like United they should be competing to bring in the best center backs in the world and I don’t think many players would put him in that category.

“De Ligt and those players are the type of players that they should be competing for and trying to bring in. The fact that they’re not playing Champions League football is not going to help the case.

“Jarrad is only 21, so is he the player that is going to come in and fix that defense? Especially when I would view one of the issues as a lack of consistent leadership within the back line and the need to fill that, so I’m sure there are some other targets on there.

“Is Jarrad an up-and-coming, fantastic central defender? Yes, but at the same time I think they need a bit more of a finished product right now with a bit more of the leadership qualities. I think profile-wise, a player who is established and proven for a few years at the highest levels that has a bit more of the leadership qualities.”

Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain as the club conducts an internal review of the season. Concurrently, they have been linked with several managerial candidates, including Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank, and Mauricio Pochettino.