This summer, PSG sought to acquire a new central defender, culminating in the purchase of Willian Pacho for €45 million from Frankfurt. The club had other plans, but Manchester United intervened by securing both Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.
At 25 years old, Matthijs de Ligt is now a player for Manchester United. After spending two seasons at Bayern Munich, where the Dutchman did not fully impress, a transfer occurred during this summer’s transfer window. Following stints in the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany, De Ligt is now experiencing football in England, having signed with the Red Devils for €50 million.
Transfers – PSG: The transfer window relaunched by an offer of €50M? pic.twitter.com/glwsPr7jiq
— le10sport (@le10sport) August 22, 2024
PSG contacts the De Ligt clan
The summer transfer dealings for Matthijs de Ligt could have taken a different turn. According to The Athletic, both FC Barcelona and PSG reached out to the Dutchman’s agents. They were informed that Manchester United was the preferred option. The reason for this is clear; De Ligt opted for Manchester United primarily to reunite with Erik ten Hag, the head coach of the Red Devils.
De Ligt after Yoro
Thus, PSG was unable to secure Matthijs de Ligt from Manchester United. This marks a second failure for the Parisian club against the Red Devils during this summer transfer window. Indeed, in Paris, there was also significant interest in Leny Yoro, who was also reported to be on the radar of Real Madrid. Yet, it was Manchester United that ultimately prevailed in acquiring the now former player of LOSC.
PSG’s Summer Transfer Window Overview
This summer, PSG aimed to strengthen their defense, embarking on a search for a new central defender. The capital club succeeded in acquiring Willian Pacho for €45 million from Frankfurt. However, PSG faced stiff competition from Manchester United, who secured deals for promising talents like Leny Yoro and experienced defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Matthijs de Ligt’s Move to Manchester United
At just 25 years old, Matthijs de Ligt has signed with Manchester United after two turbulent seasons at Bayern Munich. Despite his immense potential, the Dutch international struggled to make a lasting impression in Germany. Now, de Ligt is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, moving to England for a transfer fee of €50 million.
Transfers – PSG: The transfer window relaunched by an offer of €50M? pic.twitter.com/glwsPr7jiq
— le10sport (@le10sport) August 22, 2024
PSG Contacts De Ligt’s Representatives
While de Ligt’s future was a subject of much speculation, The Athletic reported that both FC Barcelona and PSG reached out to his agents during the transfer negotiations. Ultimately, they received feedback that Manchester United was de Ligt’s preferred destination, largely due to his history with coach Erik ten Hag.
PSG’s Failed Pursuit of Key Targets
PSG’s interest in Matthijs de Ligt was not an isolated incident. This summer marked another disappointment for the club as they failed to secure the services of promising young midfielder Leny Yoro, who was also sought after by Real Madrid. The deal eventually went the way of Manchester United, further highlighting PSG’s struggles in the competitive transfer market.
Analysis: PSG vs. Manchester United in the Transfer Window
The rivalry extends beyond the pitch, as PSG and Manchester United continue to vie for some of the top talents in European football. This summer alone illustrated the ongoing competition, with each club vying for the same players, highlighting their respective strategies and philosophies.
Comparison of Matthijs de Ligt’s Last Three Seasons
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | Bayern Munich | 30 | 2 | 1 |
| 2022-2023 | Bayern Munich | 28 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023-2024 | Manchester United | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What Can We Expect from Matthijs de Ligt at Manchester United?
The addition of de Ligt to Manchester United is a significant move that promises to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities. Known for his composure on the ball and tactical awareness, he is expected to form a formidable partnership with the existing defensive lineup.
Benefits of De Ligt’s Transfer
- Tactical Versatility: De Ligt’s ability to play both as a central defender and a defensive midfielder gives flexibility to United’s tactical setups.
- Experience in High-Pressure Matches: Having played in the Serie A, Bundesliga, and now in the Premier League, de Ligt brings invaluable experience.
- Leadership Qualities: His strong presence on the pitch can inspire teammates, especially younger players.
Conclusion
The summer transfer window was pivotal for both PSG and Manchester United, influencing their respective strategies for the upcoming season. With major signings like Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United aims to reclaim its position as one of the elite clubs in Europe. Meanwhile, PSG will need to rethink their approach as they regroup after two missed opportunities this season.
