According to a recent report by the Daily Mail, Manchester City are plotting a £50m bid to secure the services of Frenkie de Jong from AFC Ajax. It is understood that the Citizens are set to beat their local rivals, Manchester United in pursuit of the Dutch prospect’s signature.
The 20-year-old has already put in some eye-catching displays in the Dutch Eredivisie this season which has not gone unnoticed by other clubs. De Jong grew up playing football for Willem II and graduated from the Dutch club’s academy before sealing a move to Ajax in the summer of 2015.
De Jong’s Career In A Nutshell
After playing for Ajax’s Under-21 side for a year, the Arkel born prospect finally broke into their first-team in the 2016-17 campaign. Since making his debut, de Jong has made 56 appearances for Ajax, scoring four goals while creating nine assists in all competitions.
The Dutch sensation has represented his nation at various youth levels before earning three international caps for the Netherlands national team. The Ajax starlet is also extremely versatile and can play in multiple positions across the pitch. He primarily operates as a central midfielder but can also be deployed as a centre-back which makes him an integral member of Erik ten Hag’s team.
What Will de Jong Add To Guardiola’s Team?
De Jong has featured in 19 matches for the Eredivisie giants this season and found the back of the net twice in all competitions. At the mere age of 21, the Dutch starlet is a brilliant dribbler with the ball at his feet and has an eye for a decisive pass in the attacking third.
The potential addition of de Jong would undoubtedly bolster Pep Guardiola’s midfield options at the Etihad Stadium. Man City already have a number of options in midfield but with Fernandinho currently at the twilight years of his career, bringing in a promising youngster could help the Mancunian outfit build for a bigger and brighter future at the blue half of Manchester.
Should The Citizens Go For The Dutch Sensation?
The Blues should look to bring in a new midfielder who could be a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, and if they have to cough up £50m to do so, then it might be worth the price in the long-run.
