Manchester United complete £60m deal for De Ligt and Mazraoui

Manchester United have finalised the signings of defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich in a deal worth nearly £60 million.

De Ligt’s transfer, valued at €50 million (£42.7 million), comprises an initial €45 million (£38.4 million) plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons. He has signed a five-year contract with the option for an additional year. Mazraoui’s move, costing £12.8 million plus £4.3 million in potential add-ons, includes a four-year deal with the same extension option.

Mazraoui could step in for the injured Luke Shaw at left-back when United face Fulham on Friday (20:00 BST). De Ligt, a 25-year-old center-back who captained Erik ten Hag’s Ajax to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, joins as a valuable reinforcement for the defense.

Both De Ligt and Mazraoui praised Ten Hag’s influence on their careers. De Ligt expressed eagerness to continue his success at United, while Mazraoui is excited about reuniting with Ten Hag during his prime years.

Mazraoui’s arrival was facilitated by Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s move to West Ham for £15 million. With previous bids for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite rejected, De Ligt provides a more experienced and cost-effective alternative.

De Ligt was captain of Man United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax where they won the Eredivisie in 2019 and reached the 2019 Champions League semi-finals.

“As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity of a new challenge at such a historic club,” De Ligt who also won league titles with Juventus and Bayern said during his unveiling.

“In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out and the role they saw for me in it.

“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again.

“I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”

Mazraoui added: “It is exciting to be reuniting with him [Ten Hag] as I enter the prime years of my career.

“I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful.”

“It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt.

“I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.”

Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth said: “Noussair Mazraoui is a dynamic, attacking full-back who can play on both the right and left side of defence. His experience and versatility will make him an excellent addition to our squad.

“Having already won a number of trophies in his career, we know that Mazraoui’s winning mentality will be a real asset to the group as we work together to deliver the success required of Manchester United.”