Manchester United has finally announced the first signing of Erik ten Hag’s era after securing the services of left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.
The Netherlands defender will be a backup for current Manchester United’s left-back Luke Shaw.
Malacia was also a target for French Ligue 1 side Lyon but the 22-year-old decided to join Manchester United. Malacia’s transfer cost was £13 million ($16 million) with add-ons, which are estimated to be around £2 million ($2.4 million).
The 22-year-old has committed to a four-year deal that will keep him at Old Trafford through the conclusion of the 2025–26 campaign, with an additional one-year extension available to United.
Malacia’s performance against Ajax in the Eredivisie impressed Ten Hag, prompting the new Red Devils manager to make a bid for him this summer.
Malacia has been a part of the Feyenoord junior club for 14 years after signing at the age of nine in 2008. He has played for the Netherlands in five senior matches, and his move to United may help boost his reputation enough to secure him a spot at the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
Anyone else in the mood for Malacia? ❤
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2022
😉 @T_Malacia#MUFC || #WelkomTyrell pic.twitter.com/rdZs3FtMEL
Shaw and Alex Telles will have competition from Malacia, and Brandon Williams’ tenure at the club may come to an end as a result of his entry.
Although Shaw is still anticipated to begin the season as Ten Hag’s first-choice left-back, the England international’s history of injuries may allow Malacia to see significant playing time as the season goes on.
Ten Hag continues to prioritize the midfield, and Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona is his preferred choice to reinforce that position. Free-agent Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed to a three-year contract with the Red Devils, after a productive six-month stint at Brentford.
At least five new players will be added to Ten Hag’s team during the current transfer window and the Ajax players Lisandro and Antony Martinez, as well as Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries, are high on his list of targets.
Also, a new backup goalkeeper is needed to take Dean Henderson’s place and Watford’s Daniel Bachmann is one player under consideration.
The news that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club has caused a hold-up in United’s plans for the summer.
Erik ten Hag will be in search of a new striker if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves this summer although he still has some options to use in that position. The Portuguese main man is linked with a move to Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
