In a deal that could cost almost £60 million, Manchester United have signed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
De Ligt has signed a five-year contract and Mazraoui a four-year deal, both with a one-year extension option.
United may call Mazraoui up immediately to replace the injured Luke Shaw, who is expected to return after the first international break when they host Fulham in the Premier League on Friday (20:00 BST).
United agreed to pay £38.5 million plus an additional £4.3 million for 25-year-old center-back De Ligt, who captained Erik ten Hag’s Ajax to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals.
Mazraoui also worked with United manager ten Hag at Ajax, and both players acknowledged his impact on their development.
“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I’m looking forward to working with him again,” declared De Ligt.
“I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue on that path at this exceptional club.
Added Mazraoui: “It’s very exciting to be back with him [Ten Hag] as I enter the best years of my career.
“I know what he expects of his players, and I will give everything I have to help the group succeed.
The 26-year-old Moroccan defender Mazraoui joins the club for an initial fee of £12.8 million, plus a further £4.3 million.
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The arrival of Mazraoui was conditional on the departure of defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined West Ham on Tuesday for £15 million.
Following the rejection of two bids for Everton’s England international Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, De Ligt is an alternative for strengthening the central defense.
Considered a cheaper option, De Ligt has more experience, while Everton are sticking to their £70 million valuation.
