Liverpool have tried hijacking Manchester United’s move for highly-rated Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt
According to reliable BILD journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool have made contact with the agent of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt amid speculation that the centre-back is open to an exit.
Over recent weeks, the Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, who have earmarked him as their one of their summer’s top defensive targets. The 24-year-old, whose future at Bayern has been the talking point for weeks and months, has seemingly set his heart on a move to Old Trafford and is willing to take a pay cut to join Manchester United.
However, Christian Falk has revealed on the FC Bayern Insider Podcast that Liverpool have attempted a last-minute hijack of their arch-rival’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt. In addition, French champions Paris Saint-Germain have also added an element of worry for Man United by entering the race for the centre-back’s signature.
“Despite their efforts, the player’s agent reportedly informed them that the player remains steadfast in his desire to join Manchester United,” Falk told on the FC Bayern Insider Podcast.
By attempting to hijack Man United’s deal for De Ligt—albeit a failed one—it has become clear that Liverpool are in the market for a top-quality centre-back. The Merseyside heavyweights released the experienced Joel Matip at the end of June, leaving new manager Arne Slot with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah as the only centre-back options in the squad.
Van Dijk is set to turn 33 later this month and has entered the final year of his contract, while Konate cannot be relied upon to be a regular first-team starter due to his injury record. In addition, Quansah only broke into the senior squad last season and needs time to fully develop into a starter at the club.
This has made the signing of a quality centre-back extremely pivotal for the Reds as they head into the Arne Slot era. De Ligt, in that regard, would have been perfect due to his experience, leadership and mix of technical skills and physical attributes. At only 24, he has already represented Ajax, Juventus and Bayern—three top clubs with huge history across the continent.
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The Dutchman would have fit in well at our club, complementing his compatriot Van Dijk in central defence. Given Konate’s injury record, he would have been an upgrade on him and enhanced the Reds’ squad depth.
However, it looks like De Ligt is clear in his mind about leaving Bayern and joining our bitter rivals this summer.
