Bayern backs de Ligt to achieve 'big aims'

BERLIN - Bayern Munich announced the signing of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt on a fiveyear deal on Tuesday with the Dutch international expected to become "a mainstay" as the German champion embarks on the post-Robert Lewandowski era.

"Matthijs de Ligt was a top target for us. With signings like this, the big aims that we have are achievable. The future face of our team is increasingly taking shape," said Bayern president Herbert Heiner.

Juventus says securing the Dutch central defender has cost Bayern 67 million euros with 10 million in bonuses ($78 million in total).

It constitutes the second biggest transfer deal in Bayern's history after the 80 million euros required to capture another defender, Lucas Hernandez, in 2019.

Bayern will use the proceeds of the sale of Polish striker Lewandowski to Barcelona, which including variables totals 50 million euros, to help finance the move.

"This transfer is an important building block in the overall concept that we're gradually putting into place. De Ligt should become a mainstay at FC Bayern," added Hainer.

His arrival follows that of Sadio Mane from Liverpool, and Ajax duo Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui at a combined cost estimated by German media of 120 million euros as Bayern invests heavily in its future.

De Ligt joined the Ajax academy as a 9-year-old, making his debut for the record Dutch champion at 17.

The Netherlands international became Ajax's youngest-ever captain and in 2019, after 117 appearances (13 goals) and the league and cup double, he moved to Juventus for 85 million euros.

Alongside the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech, De Ligt lifted a young Ajax side to within seconds of the 2019 Champions League final.

A goal in the sixth minute of injury time in that 2019 semifinal saw Tottenham dash that dream.

His time with Juve earned him more silverware, with a Serie A title, an Italian Cup and Super Cup.

On the international stage he was the Netherlands' youngest debutant since 1945, and has gone on to earn 38 caps, scoring twice.

He said he was won over by Bayern's sales pitch.

"I felt the genuine appreciation from the sporting management, the coach and the board right from the start, which convinced me," he was quoted in a statement issued by the Bavarian club.

"On top of that, FC Bayern is a brilliantly run club with big aims. I'm very glad that I'm now becoming part of the FC Bayern story."

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn suggested De Ligt's leadership skills will also be vital to the team's attempts to reassert itself on the European stage.

"Matthijs de Ligt has impressed at the highest international level, not just with his technical qualities but also as a character who leads in all his teams," said Kahn.

He added: "At his young age he's already learned about taking responsibility. A strong team doesn't just require a strong attack, and with this signing we're really raising our defense to the top level."

He is unlikely to be the last new recruit for Bayern which is thought to be monitoring a number of other players including RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer, French youngster Mathys Tel (Rennes), and the jewel in Tottenham's crown, Harry Kane.

AFP