Sky unpacks: dissatisfied Matthijs de Ligt submits his wish to leave Bayern
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10:33
Matthijs de Ligt appears to be leaving Bayern Munich next summer. The center defender came over from Juventus for no less than 67 million euros in the summer of 2022, but has not yet been able to live up to the sky-high expectations. The German branch of Sky Sport reports that De Ligt is a top candidate to leave.
De Ligt suffered a knee injury during Bayern’s winter training camp in Faro, Portugal, but seems to have recovered in time for the restart of the competition. Bayern will take on Werder Bremen at home on Sunday.
More: Unlucky De Ligt has to take another blow at Bayern Munich
However, it is very questionable how long the Dutchman can still be admired in the Bayern shirt. Sky knows that the defender is a prime candidate for sale. “De Ligt has no desire to be the third or fourth choice,” it sounds.
Min-jae Kim, who is currently playing with South Korea in the Asian Cup, and Dayot Upamecano are usually preferred by trainer Thomas Tuchel. In addition, Bayern recently signed Eric Dier.
One of the names doing the rounds is Ronald Araújo. The FC Barcelona defender is also coveted by Manchester United, but that does not stop the German record champions from expressing their interest.
Sky writes that Bayern management is aware of De Ligt’s wish to leave. If a suitable offer is received, the Dutch international will leave the 33-time national champions of Germany in the summer.
Erik ten Hag keeps an eye on developments in the Allianz Arena with above-average interest and would like to see De Ligt come to United. The two previously worked successfully together at Ajax and can be reunited at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag already worked with De Ligt at Ajax between 2017 and 2019. The defender was sold to Juventus for 75 million euros after the 2018/19 season, in which the semi-finals of the Champions League were reached.
De Ligt’s current contract with Bayern runs until mid-2027, which means that interested clubs will probably have to pay a significant transfer fee. Since his arrival from Juventus, De Ligt has worn the Bayern shirt over his head 55 times (four goals, one assist).
