Update: Sport1 challenges report on Bayern Munich’s rumored big offer to Juventus for Matthijs de Ligt

Update: July 6th, 5:30PM EST — Sport1 refutes report on Bayern’s offer to Juve

According to Sport1 journalist Kerry Hau, Bayern Munich has not made an offer to Juventus for Matthijs de Ligt just yet — which contradicts Alfredo Pedulla’s earlier report:

Who is right? Who is wrong? We should find out soon enough...

Update: July 6th, 5:00PM EST — Kahn says club is content with center-backs, but does need a leader

In a brief report from kicker, Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn talked through where his club stands with its personnel on the backline:

FC Bayern is still working on a commitment from Matthijs de Ligt (22) and is optimistic. The problem: Chelsea are fiercely courting and are considered to be financially more powerful. Juventus would like to sell the Dutch central defender to the highest bidder, 80 million euros are in the room.

Bayern’s advantage: De Ligt is said to want to switch to Munich at the second attempt after it didn’t work out for the then Ajax player in 2019. “We are very satisfied with the quality in the center,” says CEO Oliver Kahn. “But we can improve on the points of leadership, volume and presence.”

Update: July 6th, 2:05PM EST — Bayern makes big proposal for De Ligt

According to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Bayern Munich made a €80 million+ (€75 million, plus more than €5 million achievable in bonuses) offer to Juventus for Matthijs de Ligt:

Bayern surprisingly came out of the woodwork on July 1, first with an inquiry and then with a much higher pressure. It is likely, but we have no definitive confirmation, that the Germans like De Ligt more than Chelsea. it will be the (Editor’s Note: size of the) offer that will make the difference; Bayern’s latest offer is 75 million plus bonuses to reach and exceed 80. Juve is asking for minimum base 80 plus bonuses, we will see if the further raise will come. And especially if Chelsea will raise further.

— C.Smith

After Sadio Mané’s move to Bayern Munich, sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidžić is working on the next big move of this summer: the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus.

Apart from Bayern Munich, Chelsea FC are also in contention for De Ligt. Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio earlier claimed that De Ligt would prefer a move to the Premier League and to Stamford Bridge.

Recent reports by Sport1 have clarified that the defender is clear on what he wants. He only wants a move to Munich. Brazzo has already spoken to De Ligt, along with manager Julian Nageslmann and has received the player’s firm verbal commitment.

In addition, @iMiaSanMia captured addition information from The Independent, which indicates that De Ligt’s style of play might be a better fit in Germany than in England:

Matthijs de Ligt is understood to currently prefer a move to Germany with Bayern. Bayern have in the last week stepped up efforts to sign the 22-year-old center-back, having been given encouragement by his camp.

There is a belief that German football may suit his style more at this point in his career, although they are naturally open to Chelsea’s offer. The London club have been preparing alternative options

Much persuasion wasn’t necessary, as the Dutchman has liked Bayern for years and would’ve preferred a move to Bayern over Juventus in 2019. This unfortunately failed to transpire due to Ajax’s huge demands in terms of the transfer fee. Despite his inability to secure the player, Brazzo has apparently kept him in mind.

The price tag of a 80 million euros, as daunting as it is, is hardly changeable since De Ligt’s contract only expires in 2024. Brazzo wishes to start negotiations in the next few days, knowing well that he will certainly not get De Ligt at a reasonable price. Juventus will try to sell the Dutchman to whoever is ready to pay the highest.

The price, however, could also start to go higher if Chelsea FC starts getting aggressive as @iMiaSanMia captured from Goal’s Romeo Agresti recent report:

With De Ligt, Nagelsmann would get the communicative defensive leader that he has wanted for a while. This position has a David Alaba-sized hole in it, and while it remains to be seen if De Ligt will fit in, it is certain that he has Nagelsmann’s trust.

But one thing is for sure: the Dutchman isn’t assessing his options based on money. He simply wishes to make the move he would have made three years ago.