Max Eberl has revealed the reasons for Bayern Munich’s decision to sell Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United this past summer.
Matthijs de Ligt was Bayern Munich’s most high-profile sale of the summer transfer window, as he joined Manchester United for a deal in the region of 50 million euros. The Bavarians’ decision to sell the Dutch center-back came under a lot of scrutiny and some criticism, with many supporters even signing a petition in a bid to keep him at the club.
"We felt more comfortable with Upamecano and Kim" - Max Eberl on Matthijs de Ligt sale
Bayern Munich boss Max Eberl has now commented on the sale of de Ligt, revealing why they made the decision to part ways with the defender. He listed two main reasons for the sale of de Ligt.
"I followed it, including the petition. I know that many fans identify with him. Nevertheless, I had to make this decision because we also had to sell players," Eberl said during his appearance on Sport1’s Doppelpass on Sunday. "We felt more comfortable with Upamecano and Kim because they can defend higher up the pitch. And then an offer came in for de Ligt."
Bayern Munich signed Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus in 2022, and he had two mixed seasons for the club. After a slow start, he established himself as an important player for Bayern during the second half of last season and played a crucial role in the team's run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
But those in charge at Bayern decided to go with Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano as their first-choice defenders, while Hiroki Ito was also signed from VfB Stuttgart.
Now at Manchester United, de Ligt scored his first English Premier League goal on Saturday and helped his side claim a 3-0 win over Southampton.