July 4th 2024.
Matthijs de Ligt, the talented Dutch center-back, has been heavily rumored to make a move to Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. However, according to Liverpool legend Phil Thompson, United should reconsider this decision and instead sign a Premier League star.
Thompson believes that De Ligt may suffer the same fate as Raphael Varane, who also struggled to adapt to the Premier League after joining United from Real Madrid. This is why he suggests that United should sign someone who is already familiar with the league, rather than taking a risk with De Ligt.
After the departure of Varane, United's manager Erik ten Hag is in search of a new center-back and De Ligt seems like a promising candidate. Ten Hag, who has just signed a one-year contract extension at United, previously worked with De Ligt at Ajax and is keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.
De Ligt is currently with the Netherlands national team at the Euro 2024 tournament, but it is expected that he will accelerate his departure from Bayern Munich after the tournament and join United. However, Thompson has doubts about De Ligt's potential and suggests that United should instead focus on signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
United had previously made a move for the 22-year-old English defender, but their offer was rejected by Everton. Thompson believes that Branthwaite, who he considers to be a top-class player and a future England international, would be a better fit for United.
Thompson also shared his thoughts on his former club Liverpool and revealed that he would like to see them sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. Although Gordon is still at the Euros, Liverpool were recently linked with a surprise move for the 23-year-old winger.
Thompson sees Gordon as a valuable addition to Liverpool's squad, especially as a right-footed player who can play on the left wing. He also commented on the rumors surrounding Liverpool's Luis Diaz and Jarell Quansah, stating that he believes Quansah is a promising young player who should stay at the club.
In conclusion, Thompson believes that Liverpool should consider signing Gordon, but it ultimately depends on the price. He sees Gordon as a great player, but also acknowledges the fact that Liverpool already have strong players in their squad and it may be difficult for Gordon to break into the starting lineup.
As for Manchester United, Thompson suggests that they should prioritize signing a Premier League player like Branthwaite over taking a risk with De Ligt. It remains to be seen which direction United and Liverpool will go in the transfer market, but one thing is for sure - it will be an exciting summer for both clubs.
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