Bayern Munich reach agreement with Juventus over Matthijs de Ligt

• Bayern Munich have reached an agreement in fee over the transfer of defender Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus
• De Ligt is expected to join the Bundesliga champions this summer three years after joining the Italian giants from Ajax
• The 22-year old had earlier agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich and the deal is expected to be sealed

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt signed for the Italian giants in 2019 after starring in Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi finals and while he was initially behind Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in the pecking order in Turin, he soon established himself in the starting XI and impressed in the Italian top-flight.

It has now been reported that the two sides have reached an agreement, with Bayern potentially set to part with €80m – €70m guaranteed and €10m in add-ons – to sign the 22-year-old.

A five-year deal had already been agreed with De Ligt, so all that remains is a medical and official confirmation.

Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt is expected to join Bayern Munich this summer. | PHIOTO: Getty Images |

De Ligt will leave Juventus having spent three seasons with the Bianconeri, making 177 appearances and scoring eight goals. He won the Serie A title in 2019/20 but has been part of a Juve squad that has declined and fallen behind the likes of AC Milan and inter in recent years.

The Netherlands international had been strongly linked with Chelsea, who confirmed the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly earlier this week.

It was revealed earlier in July that De Ligt was impressed with the project proposed to his representatives by Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

It’s positive news for Bayern following a week in which Robert Lewandowski’s move to Barcelona was confirmed. An agreement in principle over the striker has been reached, subject to a medical and contracts being signed.

Matthijs de Ligt will leave Juventus for Bayern Munich three years after joining the Serie A giants from Ajax. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

With Robert Lewandowski set to be officially presented as a Barcelona player on Monday, Bundesliga champions Bayern are poised to announce the significant arrival of De Ligt.

Widespread reports in Germany on Sunday evening said final details of the transfer had been fully agreed between the clubs, with Kicker saying the 22-year-old will sign a five-year contract.

Negotiations have been handled by Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, who as a defender had playing spells with the Bavarian giants and Juventus.

Sport1 said Bayern would pay an initial €70million, with a further €10million in add-ons helping to sweeten the deal.

The news of progress follows Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn saying on Saturday that De Ligt “wants to join”.

Kahn told Blickpunkt Sport: “We had talks and the player wants to come to FC Bayern. We’ll have more discussions and then see how it goes.”

De Ligt played 2,675 minutes as Juventus finished fourth in Serie A last season – more than any of his outfield team-mates.

Although Bayern are now resigned to losing Lewandowski, who scored 50 goals last season, they are rebuilding as Julian Nagelsmann freshens up his squad.

Sadio Mane arrived from Liverpool in an eye-catching deal, with Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui joining from Eredivisie champions Ajax, the club at which De Ligt began his career.

Centre-back De Ligt will strengthen an area where Bayern have required reinforcement to improve competition for places, arguably even before Niklas Sule left on a free transfer to Borussia Dortmund.