In a significant boost to their defensive lineup, Premier League giants Manchester United have completed the transfers of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich. The club announced the acquisitions on Tuesday, marking a strategic move to reinforce their backline.
The combined cost of these two defenders is reported to be £60 million (approximately $77.2 million), inclusive of add-ons, according to U.S. broadcaster ESPN. Breaking down the expenses, Matthijs de Ligt was secured for 45 million euros (around $49.5 million), a figure below his latest market valuation of 65 million euros ($71.5 million).
De Ligt's journey has been marked by impressive stints across top European clubs. Bayern Munich initially acquired him from Juventus in July 2022 for 67 million euros ($73.7 million), following Juventus's purchase of the Dutch defender from Ajax three years earlier for 85.5 million euros ($94 million).
Throughout his career, de Ligt has amassed an impressive collection of titles, including the Eredivisie with Ajax in the 2018-19 season, the Serie A with Juventus in the 2019-20 campaign, and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in the 2022-23 season.
Expressing his excitement, 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 an historic club. In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out and the role they saw for me in it.\" He further added, \"Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I'm determined to continue that record at this special club.\"
Noussair Mazraoui also shared his enthusiasm about reuniting with Erik ten Hag, stating, \"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. I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful.\"
These strategic signings aim to enhance Manchester United's defensive capabilities as they continue to compete at the highest levels of European football.
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Manchester United sign defenders De Ligt, Mazraoui from Bayern Munich
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