Bayern Munich defender confident about making impact at Euro 2024

It was a disappointing 2023/24 campaign for Bayern Munich. They lost ground in the title race during Ruckrunde and got knocked out of the DFB Pokal in the first round. Bayern reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, but Real Madrid delivered a knockout punch at the end of the second leg to eliminate the Bavarian club.

Considering the performances of Bayern during Ruckrunde, there were hardly any standout individuals during the second half of the season. Harry Kane kept scoring goals, but his performances also dipped at the end of the season. In the heart of the defense, Matthijs de Ligt delivered good performances to cement a spot in the starting XI.

After struggling with poor form and injuries during the first half of the season, De Ligt emphatically bounced back in Ruckrunde. He was part of Tuchel’s first-choice pairing in central defense with Eric Dier during the last three months of the season.

The good run of form in the second half of the season meant De Ligt was a strong contender to start for the Netherlands at the Euros. However, he has not started a game in the tournament after two rounds of group games. While talking to AD (via iMiaSanMia), De Ligt expressed disappointment about not starting for the Dutch team. However, De Ligt is confident about making an impact for the Netherlands in the tournament.

"I had the feeling I was in good form, and I showed that at Bayern in the second half of the season. I would have liked to continue that run here. The competition in defense is fierce. I learned in my career that the start of a tournament or season is fun, but it's mainly the end that matters. That's why I'm relatively calm. I also have the feeling that something will happen in this tournament that will allow me to still be important."

- Matthijs de Ligt

Netherlands sit at the top of Group D after winning a win and draw against Poland and France, respectively. They will face Austria on Tuesday in the final group game. A win will ensure their place in the knockout round. De Ligt will hope to play some part against Austria.

Bayern looking to sell De Ligt despite upturn in form

De Ligt’s future at Bayern was subject to speculation at the start of the winter transfer window. He was not playing regularly, which allowed clubs to inquire about his availability for transfer. The Dutch defender was reportedly ready to consider his options in the summer if he is a third or fourth-choice center-back in the squad.

PSG had inquired about De Ligt at the end of the winter transfer window, but Bayern had no plans to part ways with him midway through the season. De Ligt enjoyed an upturn in form and wanted to continue in Munich for next season.

However, Bayern are ready to cash in for De Ligt this summer. The injury problems and high wages have prompted Die Roten to sell De Ligt if an adequate offer arrives. Moreover, Bayern have already strengthened the defense by signing Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart. They also have a concrete interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah. Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on De Ligt’s situation at Bayern.