Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have arrived at Munich airport ahead of completing their transfers to Manchester United.
United agreed deals for De Ligt and Mazraoui over the weekend as the club move closer to sealing a sensational double signing from Bayern Munich that will transform Erik ten Hag’s defence.
De Ligt is expected to arrive in a £43m deal that will see the striker move to Chelsea.The Red Devils are paying around £38m up front and £5m in add-ons.
The Dutch international, a key target for Ten Hag this summer, will join on a five-year contract which includes the option to extend for a further 12 months.
Meanwhile, Bayern have also accepted a £17m offer from United for full-back Mazraoui, a proposal worth an initial £13m plus £4m in bonuses.
Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arrived at Munich Airport on Monday morning before completing their transfers to Manchester United in a blockbuster double deal worth £60m.
Maraoui will join United on a deal worth an initial £13m, with a potential £4m in add-ons.
The two defenders played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and will transform United’s defence.
And on Monday, both players were seen arriving at Munich airport ahead of completing their moves to the Reds, with De Ligt and Mazraoui set to travel to Manchester today.
The pair played under Ten Hag during his time at Ajax and are believed to be interested in re-joining the Dutchman.
Strengthening his options in the centre of his defensive line has been a priority for the United manager ahead of the new season.
Moroccan right-back Mazraoui has entered the final year of his Bayern contract and can also play at left-back, a position that has proven problematic for United over the past 12 months.
The duo share the same agent with Rafaela Pimenta representing them since the death of Mino Raiola in 2022.
Mazraoui’s move was contingent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving Old Trafford.
West Ham negotiated a £15million fee with United for the full-back, but the former Crystal Palace star had to tie up financial loose ends with the Red Devils before joining the east London club.
However, on Sunday night United finally reached an agreement with Wan-Bissaka, who will undergo his medical with the Hammers on Monday, and the defender’s departure frees up funds for the double signing of Mazraoui and De Ligt.
Ten Hag had remained silent following the Community Shield against arch-rivals Man City on Saturday regarding the progress of the moves.
“I can’t (give more details about the agreements),” he said. “When we have news, we will announce it. Until then, we will work with the team that is available.”
His arrival comes at a perfect time for United, who are once again facing an injury crisis.
Looking ahead to the Community Shield, United had just three fit senior defenders before Harry Maguire battled through 58 minutes of action.
Luke Shaw was absent at Wembley, as were Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia, while £59m summer signing Leny Yoro will be sidelined for three months following surgery on a foot problem.
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martínez played out of position at left back, while Facundo Pellistri occupied the right back position for much of the second half.
And Ten Hag admitted his defense is still a work in progress heading into the season.
The double whammy continues with heavy spending in the first summer under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
De Ligt, 25, will arrive in a £43m deal, with the Dutch defender penning a five-year contract.
Mazraoui is a right-back but can also play at left-back, which will be a big boost for United.
“It’s clear that we have problems (in defence) and we have to work,” he added. “The players have to work to be available and the coaching staff has to work.”
‘Together there should be a good collaboration with the players who are available.’
De Ligt and Mazraoui will join Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee in arriving at Old Trafford this summer, taking United’s spending to more than £150m.
Following their penalty shoot-out defeat to City in the Community Shield, United begin their Premier League campaign with a home game against Fulham on Friday evening.
