Man Utd make transfer decision on Ten Hag reunion with De Ligt

Manchester United Opts Out of Pursuing Matthijs de Ligt Amid Financial Constraints

Manchester United appears to have ruled out the possibility of signing Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer, as recent reports suggest.

Bayern Munich has officially placed de Ligt on the market to generate funds for their ambitious summer transfer plans. The German giants have activated the €30 million release clause of Stuttgart defender Hiroki Ito and are actively pursuing Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah, indicating their intent to strengthen their defensive lineup.

Bayern’s ambitions go beyond just defensive reinforcements. To fund their recruitment drive, they have made de Ligt, along with five other high-profile players including Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry, available for transfer. This marks a significant shakeup within the squad under the new leadership of Vincent Kompany.

De Ligt’s season has been intriguing. Initially overlooked by former coach Thomas Tuchel, the Dutchman earned his place in the starting lineup and showcased his talent, especially after Tuchel’s departure. Amidst this backdrop, speculation about de Ligt’s future has been rife.

While clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United have been mentioned as potential suitors, it seems the Red Devils have opted out. Despite de Ligt’s successful stint under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, United’s decision is influenced by financial constraints.

According to Ben Jacobs, Manchester United’s reluctance to pursue the 24-year-old defender stems from the high price tag. Bayern acknowledges that they might not fully recoup their initial €67 million investment but still expect a substantial return.

Even with the financial support from INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United faces limited financial flexibility this summer. The cost required to secure de Ligt exceeds the club’s current budgetary constraints, making the transfer unfeasible.

As Bayern awaits offers for de Ligt, Vincent Kompany is set to have face-to-face discussions with the defender after his Euro 2024 commitments. This cautious approach by interested clubs highlights the need for clarity on de Ligt’s availability and valuation before making any decisive moves in the transfer market.