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Inter Milan eyeing shock summer swoop for 25-year-old Manchester United star

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 9:28 PM ET

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is wanted by Serie A giants Inter Milan

Manchester United are gearing up for a major summer rebuild under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The 13-time Premier League champions have endured a disastrous campaign, which included the mid-season sacking of Erik ten Hag after his failure to steady the ship following the FA Cup triumph back in May 2024. Under Ruben Amorim, who immediately introduced his brand of football with a three-man defence, wing-backs and inside forwards, the current squad has failed to adapt to the demands of their new boss.

Several new signings are expected as part of a sweeping overhaul, with INEOS having already opened talks to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha. However, the Red Devils need to raise funds by selling players before they can back Amorim in the transfer market.

Many players who are not part of Amorim’s long-term project at Old Trafford are expected to be moved on permanently, as the club looks to generate funds and create room for fresh blood better suited to the Portuguese tactician’s strategy and tactical vision. Loanees such as Marcus Rashford and Antony could be permanently shown the door, while the club remains open to offers for Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro and Andre Onana.

One high-profile name has now been surprisingly linked with an exit. According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Voetbal Primeur), Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a target for Inter Milan ahead of the summer transfer window. The Serie A side are contemplating a move for the Dutchman after adding him to their defensive wishlist.

Matthijs de Ligt arrived at Man United from Bayern Munich as part of INEOS’ first summer transfer window as the club’s co-owners. He has been one of the rare consistent performers in an otherwise underwhelming season, showing his quality and class on the ball and off it.

The Netherlands international has made 28 Premier League appearances in his debut season at Old Trafford thus far. The 25-year-old has been a regular fixture in Amorim’s three-man defence, acting as the chief leader and organiser in Lisandro Martinez’s injury absence. However, De Ligt is currently out injured.

The aforementioned report (h/t Voetbal Primeur) adds that Inter Milan wants to sign De Ligt initially on a season-long loan with an option to buy. If he performs well and lives up to the expectations, the Nerazzurri plans to make his loan deal permanent.

The Dutch centre-back has previously played in Italy with Juventus, so ideally, Inter would expect him to hit the ground running should a move transpire. However, the Leiderdorp-born talent is an experienced defender and a winner, and he remains a key member of Amorim’s squad. There is no way INEOS will sanction De Ligt’s sale if Inter shows a concrete interest, particularly having seen him flourish in the three-man system at the club.

That being said, INEOS will need to find other outlets through which they can generate funds to strengthen the roster under Amorim.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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