For Bayern Munich, the summer transfer market has been incredible. Despite losing Robert Lewandowski, the club hierarchy has strengthened the squad’s core positions. The most recent addition was Matthijs de Ligt, who came from Juventus.
On Tuesday, the Dutch international moved to Bavaria. During the preseason tour, he will now meet up with his new teammates in the USA. If all bonuses are satisfied, Die Roten might end up paying €80 million for de Ligt. Die Roten are making a statement by signing him as they aim to win every trophy they can starting in the upcoming season.
It is anticipated that Matthijs de Ligt will start right away for Bayern. Following Niklas Sule’s departure from the team in June to join Borussia Dortmund, Julian Nagelsmann is said to have been pushing for the hiring of a center-back. As soon as de Ligt gave the transfer his approval, the club hierarchy moved quickly to complete the deal.
De Ligt is renowned for both his playing prowess and his leadership abilities. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer predicted that de Ligt would have an immediate impact in an interview with Bild on Tuesday (via iMiaSanMia). The German goalkeeper is also confident that de Ligt can step up and take over for David Alaba, who left the defense a year ago.
He truly has the ability to lead, possesses charisma, and is a strong defender. I get the impression from watching him recently that he is very similar to German football. He won’t need much time to integrate, in my opinion.
“It’s crucial to project presence in defense, both verbally and physically, as David Alaba frequently did. Basically, having players who can lead from behind makes you thankful as a defensive player.
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At Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt first exhibited leadership abilities. He led the Ajax first team, which advanced to the Champions League semifinals, when he was just 19 years old. At Juventus, where players like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were present, he eventually gained more defensive and leadership skills.
When de Ligt left Ajax in 2019, Bayern was interested in acquiring him. The transfer, however, never happened. De Ligt had a wild season, but Bayern still gets a reliable center-back who is still early in his career.
The incredible ball skills of Matthijs de Ligt will also greatly improve Die Roten’s buildup play. Nagelsmann will have a wide range of options to employ various defensive systems following the signing of de Ligt. De Ligt can play the center of a three-man defense in a back three. He can use this formation consistently starting the following season because he has attacking full-backs on both sides.
The Dutch international might play his first game for Die Roten on Saturday against Manchester City. Sule’s former uniform number, 4, will be worn by him. Die Roten is not anticipated to add any more defenders this summer after acquiring Sule. They’ll concentrate on getting rid of the fringe.
