An epic move! Manchester United may sign the "key piece" at an ultra-low price, Bayern suffers a 2700 million loss over two years.

Without unexpected developments, Matthijs de Ligt will be Manchester United's first signing of the summer window. If Zirkzee is secured first, De Ligt will also follow closely to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams. According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the deals for Zirkzee and De Ligt joining Manchester United are nearing completion.

Honestly, Manchester United's current operational style in the transfer market is entirely different. The number of rumored targets has significantly decreased, revolving around just a few names, unlike the previous era where rumors flew everywhere, linking the club to over a hundred players in a single summer window. Moreover, efficiency is extremely high. In the past, the process was slow and roundabout, often dragging until the end of the window to finalize major deals. Now, just as preseason training begins, multiple significant transfers have seen substantial progress. If not for the European Championship, announcements might have already been made.

Besides being low-key and efficient, there has also been a leap in bargaining skills. Previously, Manchester United was often led by the other party, spending months without successfully lowering the price. Everton viewed United with the old perspective; if it were during the Woodward era, United would likely still be "tangled up" with Everton. Now United has changed its old ways: the first offer directly halves the price, and after rejection, they immediately withdraw and switch targets. Everton's executives probably stared blankly for a while, unable to react, constantly wondering: "Is this the Manchester United we know?"

After passing on Branthwaite, Manchester United turned their attention to Matthijs de Ligt. He is another former player of Ten Hag, and was the captain and defensive leader of that Ajax team. After leaving Ajax, he joined Juventus for a transfer fee of 75 million plus 10 million in add-ons. In the summer window of 2022, he joined Bayern Munich for 67 million plus 10 million in add-ons. The costs were not low; normally Bayern's asking price would not be below 60 million. Yet now Manchester United might even secure De Ligt for around 40 million plus add-ons. Can you believe it?

According to journalist Christopher Michel, Manchester United is very confident about completing the De Ligt deal this week. The medical examination will take place after the European Championship ends. Negotiations between the clubs are very constructive. Bayern hopes to receive around 50 million euros, while United's initial idea is around 40 million euros. It is possible that both sides agree on 40 million euros plus add-ons, bringing the total to 50 million euros, and a resale clause might be included. The two clubs are increasingly close to reaching an agreement, and Eberl will push to finalize the deal.

Bayern hopes to get around 50 million euros, so Manchester United could very possibly complete the deal for 40 million plus 10 million in add-ons. This means Bayern suffers a loss of 27 million over two years, which is also one reason Bayern fans signed petitions opposing the sale of De Ligt. Because the sale price is too cheap, essentially trading the 24-year-old De Ligt for the 28-year-old Jonathan Tah. There might not be an improvement in ability, and the age difference alone is four years—难怪 fans are angry.

After joining, De Ligt will become the "key piece" for Ten Hag's defensive rebuild, partnering with Lisandro Martínez as the main center-back duo. Both center-backs come from Ten Hag's Ajax and have a deeper understanding of his tactical approach. Along with goalkeeper Onana, the ball-playing ability from the back will further improve. If United spends 40 million in transfer fees to secure De Ligt, who is valued at 65 million and only 24 years old, this would be an epic move by Manchester United's new management.