Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, while dismissing claims of a deliberate targeting of Dutch players. “coincidence.“
United recently signed French defender Leny Yoro from Lille and Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
His interest in De Ligt was first reported by The athletic on June 28, and formal negotiations are underway. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is another centre-back being considered following the departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala.
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Erik ten Hag confirms De Ligt’s interest and denies prioritizing Dutch players
Since taking charge, 54-year-old Ten Hag has signed several players with Dutch links, including Tyrell Malacia and loanee Wout Weghorst. Other signings Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana also played under him at Ajax.
The coaching staff has also seen Dutch additions, with the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake, replacing Mitchell van der Gaag.
Ten Hag stressed that the focus on Dutch players is not intentional and that each player is selected based on collective decision-making between him and the recruitment team. He told AD Sportwereld:
“It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I wanted to sign him two years ago, but he was already close to joining Bayern Munich. His name did not come up in the transfer scouting process.”
During the break, the player scouting and recruitment department created the list of candidates for the summer transfer, but Ten Hag supports these decisions. He added:
“We continue to make these decisions together. Our main criteria will always be: is the player good? Does he have the right character? Does he fit our age and level?”
Ten Hag addressed the perception of prejudice towards Dutch players, stressing that nationality is irrelevant. The United manager said:
“I understand that the media creates a certain image when you don’t win, but it doesn’t matter where the player is from. What matters is his ability, his character and his adaptation to the team.”
How much will Manchester United have to pay for De Ligt?
Despite interest, Manchester United will not go ahead with the signing of Matthijs de Ligt if Bayern Munich insist on a fee of 50 million euros ($54.4 million) plus bonuses.
This high price makes the transfer unlikely, according to the Sky reporter Florian PlettenbergBayern will therefore not go ahead with their plan to sign Jonathan Tah.
