Bayern Munich complete €70m signing of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt

Bayern Munich have secured the signing of Juventus center-back Matthijs de Ligt on a five-year contract for an initial €60m fee rising to €70m with add-ons. The Bundesliga champions confirmed the long-anticipated move on Friday, bolstering their defense ahead of the new season.

The 23-year-old Netherlands international arrives after three seasons in Serie A, where he made 117 appearances for Juventus and captained the side during the 2021-22 campaign. Bayern reportedly beat competition from Chelsea for the former Ajax academy product, who becomes their third summer signing after Noussair Mazraoui and Ryan Gravenberch.

Juventus' acceptance of the bid reflects their need to balance finances after missing out on last season's Serie A title and exiting the Champions League in the round of 16. De Ligt's departure follows the free transfers of Paulo Dybala and Giorgio Chiellini earlier this summer.

For Bayern, the deal addresses a critical need following the departures of Niklas Süle to Borussia Dortmund and the retirement of Jerome Boateng in 2021. Manager Julian Nagelsmann gains a proven organizer for his backline as the club seeks its 11th consecutive Bundesliga title and improved Champions League performances after three quarter-final exits in four years.

De Ligt told Bayern's media team: 'This feels like the right step. I want to win titles and develop further.' The defender will join preseason training next week ahead of Bayern's Bundesliga opener against Eintracht Frankfurt on 5 August.