Reports from Germany suggest that Manchester United’s transfer target, Matthijs de Ligt, is reportedly “not 100% happy” with his current role at Bayern Munich and may consider leaving the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
De Ligt has experienced a decline in his status within the Bayern pecking order this season, with head coach Thomas Tuchel favoring Dayot Upamecano and summer signing Kim Min-jae as his primary center-back pairing. Despite starting all five of Bayern’s Bundesliga matches following the winter break, De Ligt found himself replaced by Eric Dier in the starting lineup during the recent 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
In a post-match interview with BILD, when questioned about his absence from the starting lineup, De Ligt, visibly frustrated, asserted that he was “top fit.” Additional reports from BILD indicated that De Ligt is understandably discontented with his current situation at Bayern. Tuchel is reportedly interested in acquiring another center-back, with Ronald Araujo from Barcelona and Jonathan Tah from Leverkusen being among his top targets.
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The likelihood of De Ligt staying at Bayern appears contingent on a change in management, which could occur if the club fails to retain the Bundesliga title. Currently trailing five points behind Leverkusen, the reigning champions face a challenging task.
Manchester United’s interest in the 24-year-old, initially reported by Sky Sports Germany last month, gains significance given De Ligt’s reported dissatisfaction. United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, previously coached De Ligt at Ajax, and there’s speculation that they could reunite at Old Trafford in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The potential departure of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans, whose contracts are close to expiration, has heightened United’s need for defensive reinforcements. The futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have also been subject to speculation. Although De Ligt did not face United in the Champions League this season due to injury, his possible move to Old Trafford could address United’s defensive concerns.