There is much talk about a player who could become the first signing of the Ineos era at Manchester United.
A man who made a couple of enormously expensive transfers with the expectation who would soon become the best footballer in his position on the planet. A man who, because he has failed to reach that level, finds himself being seen in some quarters as a classic example of wasted potential.
In reality, as with most things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
It’s not so black and white with Matthijs de Ligt; the Bayern Munich defender who, according to The Telegraphis getting closer to reuniting with Erik ten Hag after Manchester United He offered him a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
De Ligt is not, as many have claimed, a young prodigy who has failed. It is true that he is not the best defender in the world either. But at just 24, De Ligt has plenty of time to reach that level, and rumours of his departure from Bayern have left many stunned. Many experts are confused.
Manchester United are closing in on a deal with Matthijs de Ligt
As Bundesliga journalist Constantin Eckner tells us talkSPORT (July 2, 12pm) De Ligt, at his best, can be a truly imperious talent.
Eckner even goes so far as to suggest that there was no better player in Germany’s top flight about a year ago.
The challenge facing Manchester United, however, is getting the man who wore the captain’s armband under Ten Hag at Ajax when he was still a teenager to play with the kind of consistency that is lacking in his game, which is certainly still developing.
“There’s something to be said about De Ligt’s overall performance with Bayern being something of a rollercoaster,” Eckner begins, explaining that the Dutchman often talks the talk but sometimes falls short when he hits the pitch.
“In the 2022/23 season, he was the best player in the Bundesliga in the second half of the season. In the first half, not so much.
“Sometimes what can be a little off-putting (not to put him in a bad light) is that he always wants to be the defensive boss. He wants to be the boss of the defense and when he’s not doing well, the coaches wonder, ‘Why is he talking like that? ’
“He can still be a great centre-back.”
De Ligt certainly didn’t start the summer as Manchester United’s main target in central defence. But while the difficulties in bringing in Jarrad Branthwaite, Leny Yoro, Tosin Adarabioyo and the Jean-Clair Todibo banned by UEFA While he has certainly played a part in De Ligt’s rise up United’s wish list, there is also a key financial factor to consider.
Bayern Munich want less than 50 million pounds
Eckner believes Bayern are “demanding” £42m plus add-ons. That’s around £30m less than Everton want BranthwaiteFor example.
Given De Ligt’s rare combination of experience and longevity (and his proven track record at some of Europe’s most promising clubs), it seems like a potentially outstanding piece of business.
Especially considering Bayern paid Juventus £68m just two years ago, and De Ligt has arguably improved since then.
“It’s so hot we could burn our fingers. It’s so hot,” adds Eckner, as the race to become United’s first signing of the Ineos era now looks like a three-horse race between De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee.
“Bayern are willing to sell Matthijs de Ligt. They are open to selling him and are demanding £42m plus add-ons. He has played quite well for Bayern, but Bayern want to renew their squad.
“They are close to signing Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen and he would be the one to replace Matthijs de Ligt.”
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