Manchester United has completed a double transfer coup, signing both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich for a combined fee of approximately £60 million including add-ons. De Ligt, a 25-year-old Dutch center-back, joins on a five-year contract for €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses. Mazraoui, a 26-year-old Moroccan right-back, signs a four-year deal with an option for an additional year, costing €15 million plus €5 million in bonuses.Both players expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, under whom they previously played at Ajax. De Ligt stated, ‘As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such a historic club’. Mazraoui echoed this sentiment, saying, ‘Erik ten Hag played an important part in my development as a player, so it is exciting to be reuniting with him as I enter the prime years of my career’.The signings address key areas for Manchester United, with De Ligt expected to strengthen the center of defense following Raphael Varane’s departure and an injury to new signing Leny Yoro. Mazraoui’s versatility could see him deputize at left-back for the injured Luke Shaw.These transfers mark significant losses for Bayern Munich, with the club taking a considerable hit on De Ligt’s transfer fee compared to the €70 million they paid Juventus two years ago. Bayern’s Sportdirektor Christoph Freund confirmed the impending transfers, stating, ‘it’s in the final stages, but I can’t say anything new at the moment. We’re assuming it will go through’.
Key points
- Manchester United signs Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich in a double transfer deal.
- De Ligt joins for €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses, while Mazraoui costs €15 million plus €5 million in bonuses.
- Both players previously worked with United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax and expressed excitement about reuniting with him.
- The signings address key defensive needs for Manchester United following departures and injuries.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported transfer fees and contract lengths across different sources, though the overall figures are consistent.
