Manchester United set for double transfer arrival as fee agreed for Bayern Munich stars

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for the transfers of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Erik ten Hag identified the need for extra defensive cover earlier this summer and United have chased both players for several weeks. The club have now negotiated a deal with Bayern for the players, with the double deal dependent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka joining West Ham United.

The right-back has been in talks with the Hammers for several weeks and is closing in on a £15m move to the London Stadium. Wan-Bissaka has made 190 appearances for United since his 2019 switch from Crystal Palace but has fallen behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order.

As for United’s incoming players, De Ligt’s arrival will cost an initial €45m, plus €5m (£39m + £4m), while Mazraoui will cost €15m plus €5m (£13m + £4m).

Assuming they complete medicals, the pair could be available for United’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday and increases United’s summer signings to four following the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. The latter’s injury and the absences of Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malaica for Saturday's Community Shield against Manchester City only further emphasised the need for defensive recruitment.

The signings of De Ligt and Mazraoui only increases United’s Dutch influence. The former is a Netherlands international, while Mazaraoui was born in the country but represents Morocco. Both also played for Ten Hag at Ajax. Zirkzee is another Dutchman, while United have appointed three Dutch coaches this summer, including ex-striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.