Manchester United have made significant moves in the transfer market, securing the signings of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. The Premier League giants confirmed the double acquisition on Tuesday, with the deals totaling a combined £60 million ($76.6m) including add-ons.
De Ligt, a Dutch center-back, has penned a five-year contract with the Red Devils, while Moroccan full-back Mazraoui has committed to a four-year deal. Both agreements include an option for an additional year. These latest signings bring United’s summer spending close to £140 million ($180m), following the earlier arrivals of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
Both De Ligt and Mazraoui have a rich history with Ajax Amsterdam, where they began their youth careers and played under current United manager Erik ten Hag. De Ligt, now 25, enjoyed a successful spell at Ajax, clinching the Eredivisie title in the 2018-19 season. He later won the Serie A with Juventus in 2019-20 and the Bundesliga with Bayern in 2022-23.
“As soon as I learned that Manchester United was interested in me, I felt an immediate excitement about the chance to take on a new challenge at such a historic club,” De Ligt expressed in a statement. “During the discussions, I was impressed by the club’s vision and the role they envisioned for me. Erik ten Hag was instrumental in the early stages of my career, and I’m eager to work with him again. I know what it takes to thrive at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that success at this special club.”
Mazraoui, 26, joined Bayern Munich from Ajax in 2022, making 55 appearances across all competitions and winning both the Bundesliga and the DFL-Supercup in his debut season. Although he faced a brief injury setback last season, he’s now looking forward to a reunion with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
“Erik ten Hag was crucial in my development as a player, so I’m excited to reunite with him as I enter the prime years of my career,” Mazraoui said. “I understand his expectations, and I’m ready to give my all to help the team achieve success.”
These new additions come on the heels of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure to West Ham, with United receiving a reported £15 million ($19.2m) for the transfer. Both De Ligt and Mazraoui may be called into action sooner than expected, as United face a growing list of injuries, including left-back Luke Shaw, who will miss the start of the Premier League season due to a calf injury. Shaw, 29, sustained the injury early in pre-season and is aiming for a return after the first international break
Meanwhile, United announced earlier this month that French center-back Leny Yoro will be sidelined for approximately three months following successful surgery on a foot injury.
