Manchester United are ‘seriously considering’ a move for Matthijs de Ligt this summer, but Erik ten Hag’s side will need to step up their pursuit of the Bayern Munich defender to avoid a repeat of the Jarrad Branthwaite transfer saga.
United are desperate to sign the defender this summer, with Branthwaite believed to be the club’s top target, but Everton’s €80m-plus asking price has so far proved a stumbling block.
Negotiations for Branthwaite have stalled despite the player and United agreeing personal terms last month, with Everton immediately rejecting the club’s latest offer of €50m.
And The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that United’s attention is now focused on De Ligt, although the clubs have yet to open negotiations and any pursuit of the Bayern star is said to be independent of the Branthwaite deal, with an offer to Everton still standing. table.
But, as with Branthwaite’s transfer, United are said to be a long way from meeting their valuation for De Ligt, with reports in Germany that the club only want to pay €35m, while Bayern are demanding closer to €70m.
With United targeting a number of signings this window, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s board may need to adjust their expectations if they are to seriously overhaul their squad this summer.
Ratcliffe’s tough strategy risks wasting time and angering rival clubs
United are still looking to sign a midfielder and a striker in addition to a centre-back, while more defenders could be targeted if Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof or Aaron Wan-Bissaka are sold.
The Red Devils are operating under tight restrictions after spending more than €400m on players over the past two years, but the club appear to be hoping teams will drastically lower their asking prices rather than looking for more realistic options.
United’s stance has been similar in their pursuit of Dan Ashworth, with United’s compensation offer to Newcastle well below their sporting director’s valuation, leaving Ratcliffe’s favorite target facing an 18-month sabbatical before starting work at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe’s arrival has seen United play hardball in the market, with the club insisting they will not demand a ransom for any of their top targets – an approach that, while admirable, is exhausting when time is wasted on unreasonably low bids for high value. players.
If United really want to sign players like De Ligt or Branthwaite, they will need to avoid teasing rivals with low bids for players and will instead need to negotiate in good faith or be more realistic about their future targets.