Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have arrived at Munich Airport ahead of completing their moves to Manchester United.
United agreed deals for De Ligt and Mazraoui over the weekend as the club close in on sealing a sensational double swoop from Bayern Munich that will transform Erik ten Hag’s defence.
De Ligt is set to arrive in a £43m switch that will see the Red Devils pay around £38m up front with £5m due in add-ons.
The Netherlands international, a key target for Ten Hag this summer, will join on a five-year contract that includes the option to extend by another 12 months.
Meanwhile, Bayern also accepted a £17m bid from United for full back Mazraoui, a proposal of worth an initial £13m plus £4m in bonuses.
Matthijs de Ligt (pictured) and Noussair Mazraoui have arrived at Munich Airport on Monday morning ahead of completing their moves to Man United in a blockbuster £60m double swoop
Maraoui is set to join United in a deal worth an initial £13m, with a potential £4m in add-ons
The defenders both played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and will transform United’s defence
And on Monday, both players were seen arriving at Munich Airport ahead of completing their transfers to the Red Devils, with De Ligt and Mazraoui set to travel to Manchester today.
The pair played under Ten Hag during his tenure at Ajax and are believed to be keen to link up with the Dutchman again.
Bolstering his options at the heart of his backline has been a priority for the United boss ahead of the new season.
Morocco right back Mazraoui has entered the final year of his deal at Bayern and can also play at left back, a position that has proven to be problematic for United over the past 12 months.
The duo share the same agent with Rafaela Pimenta representing them since the death of Mino Raiola in 2022.
Mazraoui’s move had been dependent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka departing Old Trafford.
West Ham thrashed out a £15m fee with United for the full back but the former Crystal Palace star had to tie up financial loose ends with the Red Devils before joining the East London club.
However, on Sunday night, United finally reached agreement with Wan-Bissaka, who is set to undergo his Hammers medical on Monday, with the defender’s exit freeing up funds for the double swoop of Mazraoui and De Ligt.
Ten Hag had remained tight-lipped in the aftermath of the Community Shield against arch-rivals Man City on Saturday surrounding the progress of the moves.
‘No, I can’t (give more details on the deals),’ he said. ‘When we have some news, we will announce it. Until that point, we will work with the squad that is available.’
Their arrivals come at a perfect time for United who are yet again facing somewhat of an injury crisis.
Ahead of the Community Shield, United had just three fit senior defenders, before Harry Maguire battled through 58 minutes of action.
Luke Shaw was absent at Wembley, as was Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia, while £59million summer signing Leny Yoro is set to be sidelined for three months after surgery on a foot problem.
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez played out of position at left back, while Facundo Pellistri filled in at right back for much of the second half.
And Ten Hag admitted his defence is still a work in progress heading into the season.
The double swoop continues the heavy spending in the first summer under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
De Ligt, 25, will arrive in a £43m switch, with the Dutch defender set to pen a five-year contract
Mazraoui is a right back, but can also fill in at left back which will be a huge boost to United
‘It’s clear we have the problems (in defence) and we have to work,’ he added. ‘The players have to work to be available and the staff have to work.
‘Together it should be a good collaboration with the players who are available.’
De Ligt and Mazraoui will join Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee in arriving at Old Trafford this summer, taking United’s spending past £150m.
After their Community Shield defeat on penalties to City, United begin their Premier League campaign with a home game against Fulham on Friday night.