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August 2, 2024

Bayern Munich respond to Manchester United joint bid for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui – EPL

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Reports indicate that Bayern Munich has rejected Manchester United’s joint bid for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. This rejection highlights the ongoing negotiations between the two clubs as United seeks to bolster its defensive lineup ahead of the new season. The joint bid, which aimed to secure both players, underscores United’s strategic focus on strengthening their squad with top talent. Bayern’s refusal to accept the offer may suggest that they are holding out for higher fees or specific terms that reflect the players’ market value. 

Erik ten Hag has encountered a significant setback with the news that the new £52 million signing, Leny Yoro, will be sidelined for three months due to a broken foot. This injury impacts the team’s immediate tactical plans and raises concerns about squad depth as they head into a demanding season. Yoro, who was anticipated to play a crucial role in strengthening the team’s defense, had generated excitement among fans and analysts alike for his potential contributions. His absence will require Ten Hag to reassess his lineup and potentially rely on less experienced players to fill the void.

Yoro’s injury means Manchester United will start the season without a key central defender, exacerbated by Raphael Varane’s recent departure from the club. Varane’s exit has already left a noticeable gap in the team’s defensive line, and with Yoro sidelined for three months, Ten Hag faces a challenging task in solidifying the back four. The absence of both players puts additional pressure on the remaining defenders and raises concerns about the team’s overall stability at the back.

United have engaged in extensive discussions with Bayern regarding De Ligt, but they have not agreed to meet the German club’s €50 million (£42 million) asking price for the 24-year-old. 

While United has agreed on personal terms with Mazraoui, they have yet to finalize a fee with Bayern Munich.

West Ham had reached an agreement with Bayern for a deal worth €15.5 million (£12.7 million), plus an additional €4 million (£3.4 million) in add-ons. However, Mazraoui declined the move and hopes for a deal with United instead.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

According to The Athletic, United have now taken steps to acquire both De Ligt and Mazraoui by submitting a joint bid to Bayern.

However, the report states that Bayern have informed United that they must present a “higher fee” to secure the signing of both players this summer. 

It is also reported that Rafaela Pimenta manages the representatives of De Ligt and Mazraoui, who are “bemused” by Bayern’s reaction to United’s offer.

Bayern have communicated to both De Ligt and Mazraoui that they are not included in Vincent Kompany’s plans for the upcoming season. 

On Thursday, Bayern’s CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, emphasized that the club intends to sell players before the transfer window closes.

‘Buying and selling are part of the same business, we haven’t just wanted to sell players this year,’ Dreesen said.

‘It hasn’t been any different in recent years. If you look at what we’ve done in recent years, we’ve also sold players. That’s part of our business, because at the end of the day you always want to freshen up a team.

‘And that means that we have to sell players, because otherwise the new players won’t get a chance to play and the young players won’t get a chance either.

‘We still have a whole month of transfer time ahead of us and a few things will happen. It’s a bit like the water levels of the Isar – it changes every day.’