Prominent Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano Provides An Update On Manchester United’s Pursuit Of A “World-Class” Player, Revealing That The Player Has Agreed To Join The Club.

Manchester United are actively negotiating with Bayern Munich to sign Matthijs de Ligt, despite having already reached an agreement with the player, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

De Ligt, who has dropped down the pecking order at Bayern, is eager to move to Old Trafford. He has agreed to personal terms and is set to sign a five-year contract, potentially forming a long-term defensive partnership with Lisandro Martínez at United.

Romano revealed that while the clubs are still discussing the transfer, the fee or payment structure might be causing delays. Bayern Munich is holding out for €50 million, whereas United may be looking to pay slightly less for the 24-year-old defender.

After bursting onto the scene in 2017 with Ajax, De Ligt’s career trajectory has not been as upward as many expected. Despite two significant moves, the Netherlands international has struggled to become a mainstay at either Bayern or Juventus. Last season, he started just 16 Bundesliga games, falling behind Eric Dier, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-Jae in Thomas Tuchel’s preferences. The promise of a prominent role at United has made negotiations straightforward for Dan Ashworth and Erik ten Hag, but Bayern remains firm in their demands.

Romano, speaking on his transfer update show, confirmed the ongoing talks: “Manchester United keep working on the deal for Matthijs de Ligt; it’s a separate story [to Leny Yoro]. Manchester United are still in conversations and still in negotiation for Matthijs de Ligt with Bayern. [There is an] agreement with the player, but still in negotiation with Bayern.”

With De Ligt’s preference clear and negotiations ongoing, a compromise is expected. United aim to bolster their defensive options, with De Ligt joining Martínez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans.

Despite the potential arrival of De Ligt, United reportedly continue to pursue Leny Yoro. INEOS has offered €50 million for the 18-year-old, although Real Madrid is also interested. French journalist Nabil Djellit suggests United are now discussing personal terms with Yoro to finalize a deal, which could be available on a free transfer next summer if United is willing to wait.