Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, who is a Manchester United transfer target, has shot off rumours that he wants to leave the Allianz Arena this season.
Despite injuries not helping his situation, the former Ajax and Juventus player has not had the best season under Thomas Tuchel, playing just 19 games in all competitions.
De Ligt has made seven of his ten Bundesliga starts this season since the beginning of the year, although Tuchel benched him for their 3-0 loss to league leaders Bayer Leverkusen last month.
Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Eric Dier were all chosen at the BayArena as Leverkusen made a significant charge towards breaking Bayern’s 11-year Bundesliga domination.
After the game, De Ligt stated that his exclusion had nothing to do with his level of fitness. Last month, during Bayern’s Champions League first-leg loss to Lazio, he was also left off of the starting lineup.
Amidst speculation that his bond with Tuchel had soured, sources stated that the 24-year-old might be amenable to a transfer to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal keeping an eye on the situation.
Speaking to media prior to Tuesday’s second leg against Lazio, which he is expected to start because of Upamecano’s ban, De Ligt stated that he is feeling strong following his fitness setbacks and that he is still “very happy” in Munich.
“I’m not thinking about that now. I’m very happy at Bayern Munich.
“Of course I haven’t had an easy season so far. I was injured for a long time. But at the moment I feel good and am fit, I want to play.”
De Ligt has a contract at the Allianz Arena till 2027 and he will not be sold for cheap in the summer transfer window.
In 62 games for the Bundesliga champions in all competitions, the centre-back has five goals and one assist.
