After securing three signings before the pre-season training, Bayern Munich is now focusing on reinforcing the defense. The Bavarian club has identified Matthijs de Ligt as the top target for the center-back position after losing Niklas Sule to Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.
The German club’s interest in de Ligt is no secret after Hasan Salihamidzic flew to Turin on Monday to hold talks with Juventus. According to Sport1 and Bild, Bayern made the first bid for the defender worth €70 million, which included €10 million in bonuses. The Italian club is looking to get a fee closer to €80 million for the Dutch defender.
The two clubs are likely to hold further talks in the coming days. Since there is an agreement with de Ligt over a long-term deal, Bayern is likely to make a second bid. In an ideal scenario, both teams would like this deal to be sealed before they leave for pre-season tours.
Die Roten will not face a lot of competition for de Ligt now after Chelsea decided to move on to other transfer targets. The London-based club had initially identified the former Ajax defender as the top target to replace Antonio Rudiger. However, it has been extensively reported in German media that de Ligt prefers a move to Bavaria.
Bayern's first offer for Matthijs de Ligt was €60m fixed plus add-ons of over €10m. The offer was rejected by Juventus. The Italians want around €80m. Negotiations will continue [@BILD]
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) July 11, 2022
Since the gap in evaluations of both clubs is not significant, a compromise should be eventually met if de Ligt continues to push for a transfer. In an ideal scenario, Die Roten will submit a second bid worth €80 million (€70 million upfront and €10 million in bonuses). As per Relevo in Spain, Bayern is expected to raise their offer, and de Ligt has given the green light to the move.
Julian Nagelsmann has been reportedly keen on getting a natural leader in defense. de Ligt fits this bill as he has the personality and leadership experience to organise the defense. He will also add healthy competition in a crucial position. The Dutchman is likely to go straight in the lineup paired with Dayot Upamencano. Nagelsmann may also consistently use a back three of Lucas Hernandez, Upamecano, and de Ligt.
Want your voice heard? Join the Bayern Strikes team!
Meanwhile, Die Roten will also hope to bring an end to the transfer saga involving Robert Lewandowski this week. The Polish striker is hopeful about sealing a move to Barcelona in the coming days. The Bavarian club would also ideally like clarity on his future before the team flies to the USA for the pre-season tour.