Matthijs de Ligt has been officially signed by Manchester United from Bayern Munich.
Last week, The Athletic revealed that the Premier League team and its Bundesliga rivals had reached an agreement for the 25-year-old that was valued at €45 million (£38.5 million, $49.5 million), plus an additional €5 million (£4.3 million, $5.5 million).
The Netherlands international has committed to a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with a one-year option.
“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,” said De Ligt.
“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.
“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.”
De Ligt sent out a farewell message to Bayern Munich fans, describing his exit as “bittersweet.”
He said: “I want to thank each and everyone of you for all your love and support. I have spent two amazing years playing for this beautiful club. It has been a true honour to have played for a club like Bayern Munich.
He added: “I will always remember the love and support I have received from the players, the staff members and from the fans. The recent petition signed by so many of you has touched me deeply.”
United is nearing completion of a separate agreement for Noussair Mazraoui, De Ligt’s Bayern teammate.
The 24-year-old is becoming more and more of a plausible option for strengthening United’s defense this summer, according to The Athletic, which initially reported at the beginning of July that the team had begun official negotiations with Bayern over a move for De Ligt.
Prior to Leny Yoro’s three-month absence due to a foot injury, United’s top priority position during the transfer window was center defender. The club made two attempts to sign Jarrad Branthwaite, but both attempts were turned down by Everton.
De Ligt has been a long-term goal for both Old Trafford and manager Erik ten Hag. The team thinks the defender’s career might be revitalized by a reunion with his former Ajax management. Hopefully, the Dutchman’s best years are still ahead of him at 25.
Since moving from Juventus to the Bundesliga team in 2019, he has made 73 appearances. Prior to that, he went through the Ajax academy and played 117 appearances for the team.
On August 16, Manchester United takes on Fulham in the opening match of the new Premier League season.
(Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
