25-year-old Manchester United target spotted on his way to England for medical - Reports
Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, a Manchester United target, is reportedly on his way to England for a medical. The 25-year-old has been with Bayern since arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2022.
De Ligt - who turned 25 today (August 12) - struggled for a regular first-team spot with the Bavarians, contributing five goals and two assists in 73 games across competitions. That includes two goals and an assist in 30 outings last season, starting 23 times, as Bayern endured a first trophyless campaign in 12 years.
Despite being contracted to the Allianz Arena till 2027, De Ligt has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for a while. Sky Sport journalist Ben Heckner (via Sportzine) has reported that the Dutchman is England-bound for his medical, with Bayern agreeing a deal worth €50 million with the Premier League giants.
De Ligt is set to sign a five-year deal with United, with an option for an additional year, as he reunites with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag. Since leaving the Eredivisie in the summer of 2019, the 25-year-old spent three seasons at Juventus and the last two with Bayern.
What's next for Manchester United?
Manchester United commenced their 2024-25 campaign with a shootout loss to arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Saturday (August 10) in the traditional curtain raiser to the English football season.
The Red Devils took the lead eight minutes from time through Alejandro Garnacho - who was set up by captain Bruno Fernandes. However, City hit back through Bernardo Silva seven minutes later to restore parity.
In the ensuing shootout, Erik ten Hag's side were initially in the ascendancy, leading 2-0 and then 3-1. But misses from Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans meant the Cityzens won 7-6 to avoid joining United as the only teams to lose four straight Community Shields.
The Red Devils now turn their attention to the new Premier League season, which gets underway with their first game at Old Trafford on Friday (August 16) against Fulham.
Ten Hag's side finished a lowly eighth - their worst finish in the Premier League era - last season but redeemed themselves to an extent by beating City in the FA Cup final to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
However, they will look to return to UEFA Champions League - where they finished a dismal last in their group last season - having not won the competition since 2008.