Three potential clubs who should target a move for Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt could reportedly leave Bayern Munich in the summer as the Bavarian giants pursue Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

The Netherlands international, 24, is not entirely happy at Bayern Munich where he is yet to nail down a regular berth in Thomas Tuchel’s first XI. He has started only five games across the Bundesliga and the Champions League, and unless the centre-back’s situation improves, he could seek a summer switch.

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Matthijs de Ligt is not 100% satisfied with his role under Thomas Tuchel and could exit Bayern Munich in the summer, despite having a contract until 2027.

#Manchester United

Manchester United have been defensively very poor this season. Erik ten Hag’s side have conceded 29 goals in 21 Premier League games while leaking 15 times across six Champions League group-stage games. Jonny Evans is 36 and Raphael Varane has become injury-prone in the last two years, while doubts remain over the long-term futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Thus, it is clear that Man United need a defensive overhaul in the summer under the INEOS regime, and Matthijs de Ligt would be a solid addition. The Dutchman would bolster the Red Devils’ defensive ranks whilst succeeding Varane. He could form a strong partnership with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Man United’s defence, and Erik ten Hag having worked with the player at Ajax between 2017 and 2019, could push the club to go for De Ligt’s signature in the summer.

#Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino’s revolution at Chelsea has not gone as per the plan, with the Pensioners currently sitting in 10th place. He has not been helped by the relentless injuries to his current crop of players specifically in the defensive department.

As far as the centre-backs are concerned, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines. Benoit Badiashile has been error prone while Levi Colwill is yet to develop fully. With Thiago Silva edging closer to the end of his career, Chelsea could sign a centre-back in the summer, and Matthijs de Ligt appears to be a good fit.

De Ligt could transform Chelsea’s defensive unit, replacing Thiago Silva as the leader of the pack. If signed, the Netherlands international could potentially form a strong central defensive partnership with Colwill at Stamford Bridge and end their constant woes at the back.

#Liverpool

Liverpool have enjoyed an excellent season and are at the summit of the Premier League. However, with Joel Matip ruled out for the season and Virgil van Dijk not getting any younger, the Reds need a reliable defender to pair with Ibrahima Konate at the heart of their defence over the next few years.

Matthijs de Ligt is one of the top centre-backs in world football and could establish an excellent partnership alongside Konate at Liverpool. He can be a fine long-term replacement for his compatriot Van Dijk. However, the 24-year-old could cost an awful lot of money, and it will be interesting to see if the Reds are willing to splurge a big fee on De Ligt’s services.