Manchester United has officially announced the acquisition of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, bolstering their squad with two key signings. According to sources familiar with the deal, the combined transfer fee for both players, including add-ons, amounts to £60 million ($76.6 million).
Matthijs de Ligt, the Netherlands center-back, has committed to a five-year contract with an additional option for a sixth year. Meanwhile, Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui has penned a four-year contract with a similar extension option. These additions bring United’s summer spending close to £140 million ($180 million), following earlier signings of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
Both de Ligt and Mazraoui share a common history, having begun their careers at Ajax Amsterdam. They later progressed to play under the tutelage of current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during their time with the Dutch club.
De Ligt, 25, boasts an impressive resume, having clinched the Eredivisie title with Ajax in the 2018-19 season, the Serie A title with Juventus in 2019-20, and the Bundesliga championship with Bayern in 2022-23. Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Manchester United, de Ligt stated, “As soon as I learned of Manchester United’s interest, I was excited about the chance to take on a new challenge at such a storied club. During our discussions, I was struck by the football leadership’s vision and the role they envisioned for me.”
He further added, “Erik ten Hag played a pivotal role in my early career development. He knows how to maximize my potential, and I am eager to collaborate with him again. I am committed to maintaining my track record of success at this prestigious club.”
Mazraoui, aged 26, transitioned to Bayern from Ajax in 2022, amassing 55 appearances across all competitions and securing both the Bundesliga and the DFL-Supercup in his debut season. Despite a brief injury setback last season, Mazraoui remains optimistic about reuniting with ten Hag. “Erik ten Hag significantly influenced my growth as a player, and I am thrilled to reunite with him as I enter the prime years of my career. I am fully aware of his expectations, and I am prepared to give my all to help the team achieve success,” he remarked.
The arrival of de Ligt and Mazraoui coincides with the recent departure of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who transferred to West Ham for a reported fee of £15 million ($19.2 million).
Both new signings may be thrust into action sooner than expected, as Luke Shaw’s recent injury compounds Manchester United’s defensive woes. The club has confirmed that the 29-year-old England international will miss the opening fixtures of the new Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained during the early stages of pre-season training.
In an official statement, Manchester United commented on Shaw’s situation, saying, “He is diligently working on his recovery, with the goal of being available post the first international break.”
Additionally, French center-back Leny Yoro is projected to be sidelined for approximately three months following successful surgery for his foot injury, as announced by the club earlier in August.