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Matthijs de Ligt leaving Juventus for Bayern Munich is a “good sign” for the Bundesliga champions and the German top flight, according to Julian Nagelsmann.
The centre-back joined Bayern in a deal worth a reported €80million and signed a five-year contract on Monday, ending his three-year spell in Turin.
De Ligt became the fourth arrival this transfer window for Bayern after the additions of Sadio Mane and Ajax duo Noussair Mazraoui and Ryan Gravenberch.
Bayern reportedly beat away interest from Chelsea and Manchester United for De Ligt, who played 2,675 minutes for Juve last season – the most of any outfield player.
Nagelsmann, speaking to reporters on Bayern’s pre-season tour in the United States, insists the signing of De Ligt will help his side and German football develop.
“I’m very happy that we got him. He’s still very young and he’s already had a great career,” coach Nagelsmann said.
“It’s a good sign for us and for the whole Bundesliga that we got him. He’s a leader and he can do other things, mentoring the players. I hope he can get to know his team-mates soon.
“Of course we don’t have [Robert] Lewandowski anymore, so it’s important that he also brings his strengths in front of goal as well. I’m hoping for seven or eight goals!”
Lewandowski scored 50 goals in all competitions last campaign, the most across Europe’s top five leagues, but has left for Barcelona in a transfer worth up to €50m on a four-year contract.
Though Nagelsmann acknowledged Bayern will miss the talismanic striker, the 34-year-old suggested it is the time for other players to step up in his absence, such as Kinglsey Coman.
“He’s one of the most important players for us. He’s very good at solving one-on-one situations, whether he’s playing left or right,” Nagelsmann said of the France international.
“He’s also great at crossing and finishing well. He could score more goals in the future. There were many situations in the past where he could have scored.
“We don’t have Lewandowski anymore and we need players like him, Sadio, Thomas [Muller and] Jamal [Musiala].
“He’s also an important part of the dressing room and speaks German very well. Last season was great but I’m already looking forward to the new season with him.”
Lewandowski’s 312 Bundesliga goals are the second-most scored by any player in the history of the competition, behind Gerd Muller (365), and team-mate Alphonso Davies is sad to see the forward leave.
“We didn’t ask him about his decision. It was his and his family’s decision. We wish him all the best,” Davies said.
“It’s a shame he left us because he’s one of the best strikers in the world. But we still have enough quality in the squad.
“Matthijs is an incredible talent, strong, fast, a leader. It’s good for us that he’s coming. He will bring quality and especially leadership.
“Sadio is a great player and a great person. He’s just a good guy and a hard worker.”
