Manchester United have completed the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
The Athletic reported last week that the Premier League club had agreed a deal for the 25-year-old with their Bundesliga counterparts worth €45million (£38.5m, $49.5m), plus €5m (£4.3m, $5.5m) in add-ons.
The Netherlands international has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford with the option of an additional 12 months.
“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.”
In a farewell message to Bayern Munich supporters, De Ligt said his departure was “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 are close to finalising a separate deal for De Ligt’s Bayern team-mate, Noussair Mazraoui.
The Athletic first reported at the start of July United had opened formal talks with Bayern over a deal for De Ligt after identifying the 24-year-old as an increasingly viable candidate to strengthen their back line this summer.
Centre-back had been United’s priority position during the window and the club had two bids rejected by Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite, before new defensive signing Leny Yoro was ruled out for three months with a foot injury.
De Ligt is a long-term target at Old Trafford — and for manager Erik ten Hag — and the club believe a reunion with his former Ajax boss could revitalise the defender’s career. At 25, it’s hoped the Dutchman still has his best years ahead of him.
He has made 73 appearances for the Bundesliga side since joining from Juventus in 2019. Before that he played 117 games for Ajax having come through the club’s academy.
Manchester United begin the new Premier League campaign against Fulham on August 16.
GO DEEPER
Shopping for Ten Hag: A defensive midfielder to complement Kobbie Mainoo
(Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
