Allegri breaks silence on De Ligt-Bayern Munich transfer reports

Bayern Munich and Juventus met on Monday to discuss a transfer for the Netherlands international.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed talks are ongoing between the club and Bayern Munich for defender Matthijs de Ligt.

On Monday, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic met his Juve counterpart Federico Cherubini in Turin. Talks reached an impasse, but nothing is off the table yet.

De Ligt reportedly has a €120 million release clause on his contract, which expires in 2024. Juventus, though, could let him go for a lesser fee at around €80 million instead. The former Ajax man is said to be eager to join Bayern this summer.

Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzić leaving Turin right now: “We will see, I can’t say anything about Matthijs de Ligt deal. Optimism? We’re always optimistic”. 🔴🛩 #FCBayern

Salihamidzić will return to Germany this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/B9IsJ5s9qO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2022

‘The club is ready to replace him’

Speaking to reporters during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States on Tuesday, Allegri confirmed De Ligt could leave – but added he is confident Juve will find a replacement if needed.

“Yesterday there was a meeting with Bayern Munich, but at the moment he is a Juventus player,” Allegri said of De Ligt.

“For now, he is a Juve player and I treat him so. The transfer market is open until August 31 and anything can happen.

“If he were to leave, the club is ready to replace him in the best possible way.”

Since joining Juventus from Ajax for €85 million in 2019, De Ligt has made 117 appearances in all competitions. He has managed eight goals and three assists.

The Bianconeri, meanwhile, have completed deals to sign Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria on free transfers.