Romano tips world-class star for Man Utd move despite recent setback

Cameron Smith

• 23 Jan 2024 00:30 CST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has tipped Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt to leave the Bundesliga club, despite Thomas Tuchel’s recent comments.

De Ligt, 24, joined the Bavarians from Juventus in 2022, but he is now the third-choice at centre-back following Kim Min-jae’s summer arrival from Napoli.

As a result, the Netherlands international has been heavily linked with an exit in recent weeks, with Arsenal and Manchester United deemed the frontrunners in the race to sign him.

Chelsea were also interested in signing De Ligt before he joined Bayern, but talk of a move to Stamford Bridge has died down in recent months after their acquisitions of Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi.

Although De Ligt has been touted for a transfer away from Bayern, Thomas Tuchel has insisted that he remains a key player at the Allianz Arena. The ex-Chelsea and PSG boss recently told the media (as per Football.London): “We’re planning with Matthijs, top player and top guy.

“Matthijs came back injured from the national team, missed all preseason. We played him too early in the Supercup, then he got seriously injured again.”

Despite Tuchel comments, transfer expert Romano believes De Ligt isn’t guaranteed to stay at Bayern.

“I think De Ligt could be on the move,” Romano told the United Stand. “There could be many clubs in the race. Let's wait for Man Utd to appoint a director of football to see who they decide to go with.”

Man Utd also want Jean-Clair Todibo

Signing a new centre-back is high on Man Utd’s transfer priority list and the Red Devils are seeking a long-term replacement for Raphael Varane, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

While De Ligt is one option, so is Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

According to Romano, “Todibo is approved by Ten Hag and the scouting department,” meaning a deal could be set to take place in the summer if Man Utd meet the Frenchman’s asking price.