Man Utd’s €45M-Rated Defender Explains Old Trafford Decision Despite Links to PSG

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During the summer transfer window, Paris Saint-Germain was linked to former Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt as a potential player to bolster their defense. However, the player reunited with his former Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag.

Last month, Manchester United completed the signing of de Ligt from Bayern Munich for €45 million (£38.5 million), with an additional €5 million (£4.3 million) in potential add-ons. The Dutch defender has agreed to a five-year contract with an option to extend for an extra year.

During this international break, de Ligt spoke about why he went to Old Trafford and noted that it wasn’t only due to ten Hag. The Dutchman said it’s hard to say no when Manchester United calls.

“I’m really happy with my move to Manchester United, especially because it keeps me in the spotlight,” de Ligt told NOS (h/t Le10Sport). “The Premier League has a bigger audience compared to the Bundesliga.

“I’m settling in well in Manchester, and I’m really happy. The guys are great. Erik ten Hag wasn’t the only reason I joined — it’s Manchester United, after all, one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

PSG didn’t leave the summer empty-handed when finding a center-back, as they secured Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt. The rest of the season will tell if de Ligt made the right decision to join the Premier League side or if it was a mistake.

Tags Bayern Munich Manchester United Matthijs de Ligt
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