Due to a lack of progress in transfer fee negotiations, BD Cricket Live entertainment sources reveal that Manchester United are threatening to walk away from talks with Bayern Munich over Dutch center-back Matthijs de Ligt. Although United recently secured the signing of young French defender Leny Yoro, his fractured metatarsal and subsequent surgery will sideline him for at least three months. As a result, Erik ten Hag’s squad remains in urgent need of another central defender—with de Ligt now their top target.
Talks between United and Bayern have been ongoing for weeks. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group has already agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old Netherlands international, who is eager to reunite with Ten Hag in the Premier League. Earlier this month, United submitted a joint bid for both de Ligt and his Bayern teammate Noussair Mazraoui, but Bayern rejected the offer, insisting on significantly higher fees. Bayern reportedly value de Ligt at £43 million and Mazraoui at £15 million, plus additional bonuses. United plan to submit an improved bid and are growing increasingly confident of landing both players.
However, should Bayern refuse to compromise, United are prepared to drop their pursuit of de Ligt while continuing negotiations for Mazraoui, whose transfer fee is deemed more reasonable. Despite their determination, United have made it clear they won’t overpay for de Ligt and believe Bayern will eventually cave. United argue that their initial bid was fair and point out that de Ligt is not in new manager Vincent Kompany’s long-term plans. Bayern are also reportedly eager to reduce their wage bill.
BD Cricket Live users have noted Bayern are closing in on Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, another indication that de Ligt is considered surplus to requirements. United remain firm that £30 million is a fair price for the Dutchman and are unwilling to go higher. The club recently abandoned their pursuit of PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte for similar financial reasons.
De Ligt, however, is keen to join United and has reportedly told friends he hopes to play at Old Trafford next season. He previously thrived under Ten Hag at Ajax, even becoming team captain, but his spells at Juventus and Bayern failed to meet expectations. The drawn-out negotiations have been filled with mixed messages and public posturing on both sides.
Ratcliffe and INEOS are determined to shift United’s image as a soft target in the transfer market, even if it means entering the new season with a thinner backline than last year. With Yoro sidelined, Ten Hag currently has only Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, and Jonny Evans available—fewer options than when Raphaël Varane and Willy Kambwala were fit.
Bayern, for their part, are watching closely to see whether Ten Hag can manage results under pressure or resort to last-minute panic buys. The German giants, despite only losing silverware last season, have long faced internal issues. New coach Vincent Kompany’s limited top-flight managerial experience adds to concerns about Bayern’s direction.
Interestingly, Kompany’s chosen transfer targets are said to be personally approved and come with high wages, leading critics to question his early decisions. According to BD Cricket Live analysts, this may already be creating tension within the squad, posing an early test of the Belgian manager’s leadership.