Manchester United have made significant additions to their squad, signing Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The strategic acquisitions were finalised on contracts that will keep De Ligt at the club until June 2029 and Mazraoui until June 2028, the Premier League club officially announced on Tuesday.

While the specific financial terms were not publicly released, reports suggest that Manchester United shelled out over 50 million pounds (64.32 million dollars) for the pair. Both contracts feature an option to extend for an additional year, providing United with long-term stability in their defensive lineup.

Both De Ligt and Mazraoui have deep roots in Dutch football, having started their careers at Ajax Amsterdam. Their paths crossed earlier under the stewardship of current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, during a period in which both players established themselves as exceptional talents.

25-five-year-old De Ligt brings a wealth of experience, having won the Eredivisie with Ajax in the 2018-19 season, the Serie A title with Juventus in 2019-20, and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in the 2022-23 season. His defensive prowess and leadership qualities are highly regarded in European football circles.

“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again,” De Ligt said in a statement.

“I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”

‘I know what ten Hag expects’

Mazraoui, now 26, also boasts an impressive resume. He joined Bayern from Ajax in 2022 and accumulated 55 appearances in all competitions. Despite being temporarily sidelined by injury last season, Mazraoui helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title and the DFL-Supercup in his debut campaign.

“Erik ten Hag played an important part in my development as a player, so it is exciting to be reuniting with him as I enter the prime years of my career,” Mazraoui said.

“I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful.”