Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly open to taking a wage reduction to seal a transfer to Manchester United this summer.
At the moment, De Ligt appears to be United’s main priority in the club’s efforts to rejuvenate their options in the defensive department.
It’s believed that talks between the player’s camp and the Red Devils have already taken place and he himself is eager to complete a switch to Old Trafford and reunite with Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach worked with De Ligt at Ajax, where they enjoyed great success together.
United have presented a contract offer to De Ligt and it seems that all that’s left is to reach an agreement with Bayern over the transfer fee.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Bundesliga giants are demanding a sum in the region of €50m including add-ons for their central defender. A subsequent report explained that United are hoping to reach middle ground with Bayern at around the €40m mark.
A deal for De Ligt is moving fast and journalist Christopher Michel has indicated that the Netherlands international is not opposed to taking a pay-cut to play for United next term.
According to Michel, “The flirtation between Manchester United and Matthijs de Ligt is heating up. The central defender probably doesn’t want to make his decision until after the European Championship. But talks with his advisor and FC Bayern Munich are taking place in the background.”
“The 24-year-old Dutchman is said to be willing to earn less than he does at the German record champions.”
“De Ligt is expected to earn around 15 million euros a year in Munich. The Manchester officials, on the other hand, want to keep the gross salary below one million euros per month.”
“An agreement is certainly possible in terms of the transfer fee. United went into the ring with around 40 million euros, while the Munich team initially demanded well over 50 million euros. According to information from fussball.news, FC Bayern is now showing a willingness to let De Ligt go for a total package of 50 million euros. One possible model is a high base amount and bonuses. If a share of the resale is agreed, this would come ‘on top’.”
Michel adds that Ten Hag is the one pushing the hardest for United to bring in De Ligt.
Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has divulged that the former Ajax and Juventus star has “given the green light” to a United move.
De Ligt’s agent – Pimenta – is “only negotiating with United” as the 20-time English champions are her client’s preferred transfer destination.
🚨🔴 Matthijs de Ligt has given green light to Manchester United move after direct contacts with his camp.
Personal terms are not an issue as his agent Pimenta is only negotiating with Man United, priority for the player.
Up to Man Utd and Bayern, in talks over deal structure. pic.twitter.com/NkAOh6TpW4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2024
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg mentions that there are officials at United who are surprised that Bayern are prepared to sanction De Ligt’s sale.
⤵️🔴 It can happen quickly after the Euros if Manchester United put the right offer on the table. Bayern want at least €50m plus bonus payments as revealed.
Understand there are officials at #MUFC who are surprised that Bayern would let De Ligt go.
De Ligt, keen to join… https://t.co/KWd94IHcqo
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 2, 2024
De Ligt made 22 Bundesliga appearances last term. He helped the Bavarian outfit to keep seven clean sheets while also scoring two goals in the process.
