Bayern Munich: PSG inquired about Matthijs de Ligt in winter window

Bayern Munich had to strengthen central defense during January since they had only two first-choice central defenders available for selection at the start of Ruckrunde. They failed to replace a quality versatile defender in Benjamin Pavard, who joined Inter Milan in the summer.

Kim Min-jae is with the South Korean squad for the Asian Cup, which meant Bayern had to dip into the market for a central defender. After failing with a last-ditch bid for Radu Dragusin, Bayern eventually signed Eric Dier from Tottenham Hotspur.

While Bayern was scouring the market for a central defender, they also received an inquiry for Matthijs de Ligt. According to RMC’s Fabrice Hawkins, Paris Saint-Germain looked at the possibility of signing Matthijs de Ligt since they were looking to strengthen central defense. However, Die Roten had no plans to part ways with the Dutch defender during the winter transfer window.

The Bavarian club has only three central defenders in the squad right now, so it made no sense to part ways with De Ligt. The Dutch center-back has started all four league games for Bayern during January.

PSG may have a chance of signing Matthijs de Ligt in the summer. The Dutch international’s future in Munich is far from certain. After a strong debut season with Bayern last year, De Ligt has endured a frustrating 2023/24 campaign. He is no longer the first-choice option in central defense under Tuchel since Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano played the majority of games during Hinrunde.

Consistent injury problems have not helped De Ligt’s cause this season. He suffered two serious injuries during the first half of the season that kept him out for several weeks. The start of Ruckrunde allows him to get some rhythm and gives Tuchel some sort of selection headache when Kim Min-jae comes back from the Asian Cup.

Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly not keen on staying at Bayern if he is a third or fourth-choice center-back. Die Roten will look to recoup the majority of the transfer fee (€70 million) that they paid to Juventus in 2021 if the Dutch defender decides to push for a transfer in the summer. Manchester United are also reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.

Bayern are reportedly keen on signing Ronald Araujo from FC Barcelona in the summer, so De Ligt will most likely push for a transfer in the summer. With the Bavarian club reportedly ready to make tough decisions in the summer, De Ligt could be one of the high-profile departures that will give the club more funds for a rebuild. For now, De Ligt will look to play as much as possible during Ruckrunde and eventually assess his situation in the summer.