Bayern Munich’s sports director has elucidated the rationale for Matthijs de Ligt’s transfer to Manchester United, with one specific reason potentially affecting Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United acquired three new defenders over the summer, comprising two center-backs and one full-back.
Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt both transferred from Bayern Munich. Leny Yoro transferred from Lille when Manchester United outbid Real Madrid financially.
As De Ligt’s transfer negotiations continued, significant portions of the Bayern crowd initiated a petition to prevent his sale.
Bayern’s sports director, Max Eberl, has articulated two reasons for the club’s decision to proceed with the exodus.
Bayern’s necessity to divest players and generate revenue was the primary factor. The second pertains to De Ligt’s playing proficiency and may be of concern to Ten Hag.
“I adhered to it, including the petition,” Eberl stated at a news conference (as cited by the Mirror). “I recognise that numerous fans resonate with him.
“Nonetheless, I was compelled to make this decision due to the necessity of selling players.”
“We felt more at ease with [Dayot] Upamecano and Kim [Min-jae] due to their ability to defend further up the pitch.”
An offer was received for De Ligt.
Eberl asserts that Bayern deemed De Ligt insufficiently swift and mobile to excel in a high defensive line.
What the De Ligt petition articulated
More than 70,000 individuals endorsed the petition to prevent De Ligt’s transfer to Manchester United.
The petition stated: “We all desire Matthijs de Ligt to remain at FC Bayern Munich!” He has demonstrated that he is a world-class defender, maybe the finest in our group.
“His election as our best player for the 2022/23 season is justified.” Moreover, he is but 24 years old and possesses a promising future, which he intends to leverage to realise his substantial potential.
“Notwithstanding his youth, Mattha exhibits considerable maturity and possesses an exemplary mentality, positioning him as a prospective leader in defence and a potential candidate for captaincy in the coming years.”
His proficiency in English, German, and Dutch would significantly benefit him in that regard. At the age of 19, he led Ajax Amsterdam to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals as captain.
“Divesting Matthijs de Ligt would constitute an egregious error, and we would undoubtedly lament the decision.” Consequently, we utilise our voice to emphasise that we shall NOT commit this error!
Ultimately, De Ligt was transferred to Manchester United for a total of €50 million (€45 million + €5 million in performance-related bonuses).
Manchester United failed to acquire a centre-back and a midfielder. Additionally, it has come to light that Manchester United sought to recruit a former Barcelona centre-back during the summer.
The player’s representative has elucidated the reasons behind his client’s aversion to the prospect of joining Manchester United.
The slim prospects of Manchester United acquiring Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer have dissipated following reports of Marseille reaching a deal with the player.
Dwight Yorke, a treble-winning member of Manchester United, has provided a harsh critique on the present condition of the club.
Manchester United’s priciest defender acquisitions
De Ligt’s acquisition for €50 million (£42.8 million / $55.6 million) positioned him seventh on Manchester United’s all-time list of most costly defender signings.
Harry Maguire maintains his position as the most expensive defender in history, valued at £80 million.
Several defender transfers since that time have approached this figure, including Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City – £77.6m) and Wesley Fofana (£75m). Currently, the honour belongs to Maguire.
New Manchester United acquisition Yoro is the club’s second most costly defender (£58.9m), followed by Lisandro Martinez in third (£56.7m), Aaron Wan-Bissaka in fourth (£50m), and De Ligt currently in fifth position.
The individuals ranked sixth to ninth are listed below, including a symbol signed in 2002.
