Matthijs de Ligt considering Manchester United exit amid Atletico Madrid interest
Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly considering a summer departure from Manchester United, with Atletico Madrid emerging as a potential destination. According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Dutch defender is open to leaving Old Trafford if a suitable offer arrives, with the La Liga side viewing him as an ideal target to bolster their defence.
The 26-year-old centre-back has endured a frustrating season, having been sidelined since late November with a back injury. He has managed just 14 appearances across all competitions this term, despite having been a regular starter under manager Ruben Amorim for the first 13 Premier League games of the campaign. This extended absence is understood to have prompted De Ligt and his representatives to assess his future options.
Atletico Madrid’s interest is linked to the potential departure of their own defensive stalwart, Jose Gimenez. Manager Diego Simeone is said to be an admirer of De Ligt’s combative style and sees him as a perfect fit for his system, identifying the Netherlands international as a primary candidate to replace Gimenez should the Uruguayan leave the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
Manchester United, now led by Michael Carrick, are reportedly open to a sale for the right price. The club signed De Ligt from Juventus for a fee of €45 million in 2024, a significant reduction from the €85.5 million Juventus paid to Ajax in 2019, which made him the world's most expensive defender at the time. Fichajes suggests an offer in the region of €40 million could be enough to persuade United to part ways with the player.
De Ligt’s potential exit would come just two years after his arrival, a move orchestrated by his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. His injury woes have disrupted his progress at the club, limiting his impact during a period of transition. United’s defensive planning appears to account for a possible departure, with the club already boasting options including Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, and Harry Maguire. Furthermore, the club has held talks over a move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, indicating a proactive approach to reshaping their backline.
For Atletico, securing a player of De Ligt’s pedigree and age for a reported €40 million would represent a significant coup, aligning with their history of recruiting proven, physically imposing defenders. His arrival would provide a long-term pillar for Simeone’s defence as the club looks to refresh its squad. For United, a sale would recoup most of their initial investment and free up resources and squad space as Carrick continues to mould the team in his image, moving on from a high-profile signing who has struggled with fitness.
