Manchester United Secure Double Signing of Bayern Munich’s De Ligt and Mazraoui.
Manchester United have completed the signings of Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a deal worth nearly £60 million. The two defenders, both familiar with United manager Erik ten Hag from their time at Ajax, have signed long-term contracts with the Premier League club.
De Ligt, 25, has agreed to a five-year contract with an option for a further year. The Dutch centre-back, who previously captained Ajax to the semi-finals of the 2019 UEFA Champions League under Ten Hag, has moved to Old Trafford for a fee of £38.5 million, with an additional £4.3 million in potential add-ons. De Ligt expressed his eagerness to reunite with Ten Hag, stating, “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.”
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Moroccan international Mazraoui has signed a four-year deal, also with an option for an additional year. United paid an initial £12.8 million for Mazraoui, with up to £4.3 million in potential bonuses. The right-back, who can also play on the left side of defence, could be called into action immediately due to Luke Shaw’s injury, when United face Fulham in the Premier League on Friday. Reflecting on his move, Mazraoui said, “It is exciting to be reuniting with him [Ten Hag] 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.”
Mazraoui’s transfer was made possible by the recent departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined West Ham United for £15 million earlier this week. United had been linked with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite but turned to De Ligt as a more experienced and cost-effective option after Everton stuck to their £70 million valuation.
These signings further strengthen United’s defence as they look to challenge for major honours under Ten Hag this season.
