Manchester United Closing In on Matthijs de Ligt Signing as Erik Ten Hag’s ‘Charm Offensive’ Pays Off
Manchester United are on the cusp of making their first major signing of the summer transfer window, and it’s none other than Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt. According to reports, the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old Dutch defender, who is reportedly keen on reuniting with his former manager Erik ten Hag.
De Ligt’s potential arrival at Old Trafford comes as no surprise, given his impressive performances for Ajax and the Netherlands. The center-back has been a long-time target for Manchester United, and it seems that Ten Hag’s ‘charm offensive’ has paid off.
The Dutch defender is known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership qualities, making him a massive addition to Manchester United’s backline. Bayern Munich are reportedly demanding a whopping £42 million for De Ligt, but Manchester United are confident that they can secure a deal.
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The Dutch defender has been a huge admirer of Ten Hag, who made a significant impact during his time at Ajax. De Ligt has backed his former manager to succeed at Old Trafford, praising his attention to detail and ability to improve players.
"Ten Hag is someone who loves his job and he loves to work," De Ligt said. "He’s really into the details. This makes him a really good trainer. He has a lot of qualities (to succeed). He definitely improves players. He wants to do everything to make his team play better."
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also closing in on signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has a release clause of £34 million in his contract with the Italian club. The 23-year-old is currently away on international duty with the Netherlands.
The Red Devils are expected to have a busy summer transfer window, with new owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS prioritizing strengthening their squad in four key positions: full-back, center-back, central midfielder, and striker.
Stay tuned for more updates on Manchester United’s transfer plans and follow us on all social media platforms for the latest news and analysis!