Matthijs de Ligt looks certain to leave Bayern Munich this summer. After Die Roten agreed to listen to offers for De Ligt, Manchester United have shown concrete interest. The Premier League club is negotiating with the Dutch defender over personal terms, and talks with Bayern have started over a transfer fee.
De Ligt is open to joining Manchester United. The Dutch international will resolve his future after the Euros. Netherlands are set to play England in the semi-final of the competition on Wednesday. The potential departure of De Ligt from Munich has not been well received by the Bavarian faithful.
According to Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern fans have started a petition to keep De Ligt at Bayern. This petition has already received 60,000 signatures. The Dutch international has been a solid performer for the majority of his two seasons with the club.
Die Roten are ready to make tough decisions this summer as they want to complete a squad overhaul after a trophyless season. De Ligt’s injury problems in Hinrunde and big salary have forced Bayern to consider offers for him.
The Dutch international wanted to stay in Munich, but he didn’t want to be a fourth or fifth-choice center-back in the squad. Bayern have already signed a center-back in Hiroki Ito this summer. They are also working on a deal for Jonathan Tah. With these two arrivals, De Ligt will struggle to get adequate playing time in Munich next season.
Bayern want €50 million plus bonuses for De Ligt. Manchester United are looking to bring the fee down since the Bavarian club is very keen on completing a deal, and the Dutch defender has agreed to a move to the Old Trafford. Paris Saint-Germain showed interest in De Ligt during January. The French club may revive interest in the Dutch defender, but he has set sights on a move to Manchester United.
It is quite understandable why the Bavarian fans are aggrieved by De Ligt’s potential departure. He was exceptional in his debut season. The Dutchman played well during Ruckrunde last season after struggling with injuries in the first half of the campaign. Along with his qualities, De Ligt was expected to become a leader of Bayern’s defense for several years. Morevoer, De Ligt is still 24. The best years of his career are ahead of him. Unfortunately, Bayern have to sell him this summer for financial reasons.