Manchester United have not yet signed Matthijs de Ligt as a reported delay is holding up Bayern Munich from landing Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Man Utd still chasing De LigtBayern want to sign a replacement firstPreparing to step up their pursuit of TahWHAT HAPPENED?
The urgency for Bayern to bolster their defensive line has intensified following an injury to their new signing, Hiroki Ito. The Japanese defender sustained a serious injury, breaking his metatarsal, during a friendly match against 1. FC Duren, and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. According to this injury might prompt Bayern to expedite their pursuit of Tah to cover the defensive gap left by Ito's absence.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the pressing need for defensive reinforcements, Bayern's improved offer for Tah — €20 million (£17m/$22m) plus an additional €5 million (£4m/$5.5m) in bonus payments — has not met Bayer's expectations. Sports director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed that no acceptable offer has been received from any club, maintaining a stalemate in the transfer negotiations. Nonetheless, Tah is eager to join Bayern and has already reached a personal agreement with the club.
DID YOU KNOW?
Meanwhile, Bayern and United have also not yet reached an agreement over the transfer fee for De Ligt. United are reluctant to meet Bayern's €50 million (£42m/$54m) asking price, with both clubs reportedly €15 million (£12.6m/$16m) apart in their valuations.
The potential departure of De Ligt has elicited varied responses from Bayern's management and fanbase. Thousands of Bayern supporters have signed a petition urging the club to retain the Dutch defender. This sentiment is echoed by Honorary President Uli Hoeness, who has expressed no opposition to De Ligt staying at the club. The decision-makers have taken note of the developments and have hence stalled his transfer.
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
The transfer saga involving De Ligt, Tah, Bayern and United remains a complex and evolving situation. With the injury to Ito and the unresolved negotiations between Bayern and United, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcomes for all parties involved. As it stands, De Ligt is expected to rejoin Bayern training on August 2 after returning from his holidays following the European Championship.
