A Center-Back Linked With Manchester United Speaks Out About His Future With Bayern Munich.
A Center-Back Linked With Manchester United Speaks Out About His Future With Bayern Munich.
Matthijs de Ligt has downplayed speculation about his potential departure from Bayern Munich this summer amid rumors of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are anticipated to secure at least one center-back during the upcoming transfer window, with the possibility of two arrivals depending on the futures of Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire.
Both Varane and Evans are set to be out of contract at the end of June, while there are ongoing discussions regarding the futures of Lindelof and Maguire. Among the current central defenders, Lisandro Martinez appears to be the only one certain to remain at Old Trafford next season.
De Ligt has been linked with a move to Manchester, with reports suggesting that Bayern could entertain offers for the Dutch international in the upcoming transfer window. However, when questioned about the potential departures of himself or highly sought-after attacker Jamal Musiala from the Allianz Arena this summer, De Ligt emphasized that he has no intention of leaving.
“Where would I go? On vacation?” De Ligt responded to reporters while on international duty. “But no, I don’t think so. I hope that both Bayern and I will stay. That’s what I expect as well.
“I’m not yet at the level I want to be with the national team, but that’s also due to injuries. As a player, you always want to be on the field.
“We have many good center-backs. Ultimately, top-level football involves competition among numerous talented defenders. You have to be ready for the opportunities you get.”
De Ligt has featured in 22 matches for Bayern during the 2023-24 season, gradually earning his place in the team in recent months after beginning the campaign on the bench and suffering a knee injury.
The defender earned his 44th cap for the Netherlands on Tuesday evening, completing the full 90 minutes of his team’s 2-1 defeat to Germany in an international friendly.
Manchester United were reportedly among the clubs vying for De Ligt’s signature in the summer of 2019 following his impressive displays for Dutch powerhouse Ajax.
Ultimately, Juventus secured his services, and he spent three seasons with the Turin-based club before joining Bayern Munich, where he has since made 65 appearances.
During his time at Allianz Arena, De Ligt has clinched the Bundesliga title and the DFL-Supercup, with Bayern currently contending for two more trophies in the 2023-24 campaign.
Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, Bayern will face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League next month, while they sit in second place in the Bundesliga standings, trailing leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points.
