Manchester United have completed the signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
The English giants did not reveal the players’ fees, although sources in the British media suggested that the two landed at Old Trafford for a combined £60 million ($77 million, 70 million euros).
The 25-year-old Dutch defender De Ligt, who previously played for Erik ten Hag at Ajax, will now reunite with the United manager after reaching a five-year contract agreement with a one-year option.
“As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity of a new challenge at such an historic club,” said De Ligt.
“In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.
“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again.”
De Ligt has already won league championships with Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern in three separate nations.
He added: “I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”
After Raphael Varane left, De Ligt strengthened United’s centre defence. Meanwhile, Leny Yoro, who also arrived during the summer transfer window, could miss up to three months due to a foot injury he suffered during preseason versus Arsenal.
The 26-year-old Mazraoui previously played for Ajax under Ten Hag, winning three league titles there in addition to one with Bayern.
In addition, the full-back has made 28 appearances for Morocco and advanced to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
His arrival coincides with the confirmation of full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s transfer to Premier League opponent West Ham. He has signed a four-year contract with the option of a fifth.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt,” said Mazraoui.
“I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.”
The newcomers are expected to be available for United’s season opener at Old Trafford on Friday against Fulham. The Red Devils are eager to improve upon their eighth-place result from the previous campaign.
As a result, United now trails champion Manchester City by a staggering 31 points.
They did defeat their local rivals in the FA Cup final, but last weekend they had to return to Wembley and lose to Pep Guardiola’s team in the Community Shield on penalties.
