Following Raphael Varane’s departure, Erik ten Hag’s priority will be strengthening central defense this summer. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will likely also leave, and youngster Willy Kambwala’s transfer to Villarreal was announced earlier this week.
Veteran Jonny Evans signed a new 12-month contract extension, and Lisandro Martinez is hoping to avoid another injury-plagued season. However, reinforcements are required, and United have not ruled out signing three new central defenders in a single transfer window. A move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been put on hold after United had two bids refused earlier this month. The Toffees’ need to sell to balance the books is no longer as pressing, now that they have agreed to sell Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50 million.
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Will Leny Yoro be the next William Saliba for Manchester United?
Yoro, meanwhile, appeared destined to sign with his first choice, Real Madrid, but the Spanish club’s refusal to pay Lille’s asking price has opened the door for United. The Red Devils are on the verge of signing one of Europe’s hottest talents, with a medical set to take place soon.
It remains to be seen whether they renew their interest in De Ligt later in the window, but for the time being, Sky Germany believes Bayern’s €50 million plus add-ons valuation is too high. The Netherlands international’s career has stalled recently, and he appears to have been deemed surplus to requirements by Bayern after joining the German giants from Juventus two years ago. De Ligt was touted as a potential United signing after breaking through at Ajax under Ten Hag, but he chose a move to Serie A over the Premier League.
