Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are faced with the unwanted predicament in the transfer window that many Premier League clubs are experiencing. They must be careful with their spending due to the Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR) in the league.
It’s no secret that United are going to have to adapt their transfer strategy this summer. Alongside raising as much money from player sales, via the likes of Mason Greenwood and Casemiro, they must improve Ten Hag’s squad by being box smart.Despite the obvious recruitment drive of being measured, INEOS have pushed ahead with their interest for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. After seeing an opening bid of £43m (including add-ons) turned down by the Toffees, United must now act quickly.
The likes of Marc Guehi, Bremer and Jean-Clair Todibo have all been identified as cheaper alternatives. However, a new name in the mix is Bayern Munich wantaway star Matthijs de Ligt.
After the Bavarians endured a troubling Bundesliga campaign, Vincent Kompany is now at the helm and is overseeing an overhaul of the playing squad. A list of players have reportedly been made available for transfer with De Ligt one of them.
Reports in Germany have suggested Bayern will demand £42m for De Ligt this summer, lower than United’s opening bid for Branthwaite. Despite being three years older than the Everton defender, De Ligt should still be a favourable option for United.
Costing significantly less than what the club face paying for Branthwaite, the Netherlands defender has already been a success under the United boss. After coming through the famous Ajax academy, De Ligt appeared 117 times for the first team and was part of the famous side that reached the Champions League semi-final.
A colossal defender with a large build, his ability to defend has never been in doubt. On the ball, United have even more reason to be tempted by his natural ability to work in Ten Hag’s system. He ranks in the top 96th percentile in Europe’s top five leagues for successful passes with 93.1%, according to FBREF.
Not only that but he ranks in the top 90th percentile for progress passes and 85th percentile for attempted passes. For just £42m, United could do worse.
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