Bayern Munich legend backs move for ‘Van Dijk type’ defender

Various reports in Germany have linked the Bundesliga champions with Matthijs de Ligt.

Matthijs de Ligt is a ‘Virgil van Dijk type’ defender and would be a ‘super transfer’ for Bayern Munich, according to Lothar Matthaus.

Despite interest from Chelsea, Bayern have emerged as favorites to sign De Ligt. A report from German outlet Bild on Wednesday has claimed the Bavarians are confident they are the Dutchman’s preferred choice. They now plan to begin talks with Juventus over a summer transfer.

De Ligt, who has another two seasons left on his Juventus contract, could reportedly be available for around €88 million (£75m).

TRUE✅ After Talks with Matthijs de Ligt (22) Bayern is convinced that for the Dutch @FCBayern is his first choice for a transfer. Now the Club want to start the negoitations with @juventusfc. But Bayern know that @ChelseaFC is the biggest concurrent

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) July 6, 2022

‘He is a Van Dijk type’

Now Matthaus, a German Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, has backed his former club’s pursuit of De Ligt.

“He’s a Van Dijk type,” the ex-Bayern and Inter Milan midfielder told Bild of De Ligt.

“He can take on the role of defense chief at Bayern, which is missing there.

“He’s one of the best central defenders in Europe, and at 22 he’s such a young player that Bayern could have done with that position for the next few years. A super transfer if it works – a huge gain.”

Bayern have signed three new players this summer so far in Liverpool forward Sadio Mane along with Ajax duo Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui.