Uli Hoeness, Bayern Munich’s honorary president, discussed the potential transfer of Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United this summer, suggesting a possible reunion with Erik ten Hag for the Dutch player.
Manchester United has already signed a centre-back this summer, with Leny Yoro joining from Lille in a £52m deal earlier this week.
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The Red Devils are still seeking another defender and have shown significant interest in De Ligt, who previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax.
The 24-year-old began his career with the Dutch club and played under Ten Hag before transferring to Juventus in 2019.
Hoeness mentioned that Bayern might sell a defender during this transfer window and suggested that De Ligt could move to Old Trafford, although he clarified that he is not trying to push the Netherlands international out of the club.
‘It’s possible that a defender will leave,’ Hoeness said, via Sky. ‘De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Manchester United is Dutch.
‘I would have no problem if he stays. Personally, I would not sell [Dayot] Upamecano.’
Ten Hag has also been transparent about Manchester United’s interest in De Ligt, stating he wanted to bring him to the club two years ago but was not the one advocating for the move this time.
‘It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come,’ Ten Hag told AD Sportwereld.
‘I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that. I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process [at United].’
This summer is shaping up to be busy and significant in the transfer market for the Red Devils. Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee have already joined Old Trafford, while Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek, and Willy Kambwala have been sold. Additionally, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, and Brandon Williams have been released.
United has had two bids rejected for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and is working on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Red Devils are also linked with signing free agent Adrien Rabiot after the French international left Juventus at the end of his contract.
