Matthijs de Ligt has kicked off his pre-season preparations with Bayern Munich amidst ongoing speculation about a potential transfer to Manchester United .
The Dutch defender, who enjoyed an extended break after reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship with the Netherlands, is now back in training in Bavaria. Initially omitted from Vincent Kompany's squad for their pre-season tour of South Korea due to his extended break, de Ligt has since rejoined his teammates at their German headquarters as the new Bundesliga season looms.
With the DFB Pokal's first round set for August 16, de Ligt could be back on the pitch in under a fortnight. Bayern still have fixtures to wrap up on their tour, including a clash with Tottenham, whom they recently beat on Saturday 2-1. They will then take on WSG Tirol.
READ MORE: 5 things learned in Liverpool vs Man Utd as two Arne Slot transfer needs clear
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Man Utd as Mohamed Salah and six more impress
So far under former Burnley boss Kompany, Bayern have won two and drawn one during pre-season. Despite the extended break due to his Euro 2024 commitments, De Ligt was reportedly nearing a move to join Man United , but negotiations have hit a snag over the transfer fee. Personal terms with the 24 year old were reportedly settled over a month ago.
As United edge closer to securing a deal for de Ligt's Bayern teammate, Noussair Mazraoui, who like the former also played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, they must bide their time for further talks over the Dutch centre-back. Recently, de Ligt took to Instagram to update his followers on his return to training, posting: "Back to work @fcbayern".
Should Manchester United sign de Ligt from Bayern? Let us know in the comments section below.
De Ligt is now gearing up for the challenges that lie ahead in the next month with Bayern Munich kicking off their Bundesliga campaign on August 25, while the summer transfer window remains open for an additional week.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have a tighter schedule. They are set to take on Manchester City in the Community Shield next week at Wembley before facing Fulham on August 16 in their Premier League season opener.
Liverpool.com says: "The injury to Leny Yoro could not have come at a worse time for Manchester United, who were hoping the teenage Frenchman would be able to start for them from the off. With Yoro out injured for three months, United must sign another, more experienced defender this summer, which would allow Yoro to be bedded in patiently when he does return from injury come November.
"That defender could very well be Matthijs de Ligt, but the longer United try to haggle with Bayern Munich over a player who looks to be for sale this summer, the more chance the Bundesliga side dig their heels in with the end of the transfer window edging closer."
Most Popular
Comments / 0