Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have arrived at Munich airport to complete their transfer to Manchester United.
United reached agreement over the weekend to sign De Ligt and Mazraoui as the club nears completion of a sensational double transfer from Bayern Munich that will transform Erik ten Hag’s defence.
De Ligt is expected to arrive in a transfer fee of £43million, which would see him…The Red Devils will pay around £38 million upfront, with £5 million in add-ons.
The Dutch international, a key target for Ten Hag this summer, has signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for a further twelve months.
Meanwhile, Bayern also accepted a £17million bid from United for defender Mazraoui, an offer initially worth £13million plus £4million in bonuses.
Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arrived at Munich airport on Monday morning to complete their transfer to Man United in a blockbuster £60million move.
Maraoui is expected to join United in an initial deal worth £13m, with a potential £4m in add-ons
The defenders both played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and will transform United’s defence
Both players arrived at Munich airport on Monday to complete their transfer to the Red Devils. De Ligt and Mazraoui will travel to Manchester today.
The duo played under Ten Hag during his time at Ajax and would like to work with the Dutchman again.
Strengthening the options at the heart of his defence is a priority for the United manager ahead of the new season.
Moroccan right-back Mazraoui has entered the final year of his contract at Bayern and can also play at left-back, a position that has caused problems for United in the past 12 months.
The duo share the same agent, with Rafaela Pimenta representing them since the death of Mino Raiola in 2022.
Mazraoui’s transfer was contingent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure from Old Trafford.
West Ham and United agreed a £15million deal for the defender, but the former Crystal Palace star had to sort out some financial matters with the Red Devils before he could join the east London club.
On Sunday night, however, United finally reached an agreement with Wan-Bissaka, who is due to undergo a medical at Hammers on Monday. The defender’s departure will free up money for the double transfer of Mazraoui and De Ligt.
Ten Hag remained tight-lipped about the progress of the transfers after Saturday’s Community Shield match against arch-rivals Man City.
“No, I can’t (give more details about the deals),” he said. “When we have news, we will announce it. Until then, we are working with the team that is available.”
Their arrival comes at a perfect time for United, who are once again struggling with an injury crisis.
Ahead of the Community Shield, United had only three fit defenders before Harry Maguire fought on for 58 minutes.
Luke Shaw was absent from Wembley, as were Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia, while Summer signing Leny Yoro, worth £59million, will be sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery on a foot problem.
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez played in a different position at left back, while Facundo Pellistri occupied the right back position for much of the second half.
Ten Hag admitted that his defence is still developing heading into the season.
The double whammy continues the heavy spending of the first summer under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
The 25-year-old De Ligt joins in a transfer fee of £43million, with the Dutch defender set to sign a five-year contract
Mazraoui is a right back but can also play as a left back which will be a huge boost for United
“It is clear that we have problems (in defence) and we have to work,” he added. “The players have to work to be available and the staff has to work.
‘It has to be a good collaboration with the players who are available.’
De Ligt and Mazraoui will join Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford this summer, taking United’s budget over £150m.
After losing on penalties to City in the Community Shield, United begin their Premier League campaign with a home game against Fulham on Friday evening.