In a recent report, Sport stated that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is on the radar of Manchester United. It is understood that the Red Devils are showing interest in acquiring the Barca talent’s services during the summer transfer window.
De Jong’s Decent Run Of Form At The Nou Camp This Season
De Jong has experienced a solid campaign in Spanish football as he managed to catch the eye with a few impressive displays at the centre of Xavi’s midfield. The 25-year-old participated in 46 matches for the Catalan giants this season, scoring four goals and picking up five assists across multiple competitions.
The 40-time Netherlands international has performed well to average 1.1 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.5 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game in La Liga. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from midfield after making 91.3% of his attempted passes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored).
Should Barcelona Head Coach Xavi Let De Jong Go?
De Jong can do a little bit of everything at the centre of the park. He is a good tackler of the ball and can make some timely interceptions for his side in midfield.
The Dutch sensation can create a few promising chances for his teammates to score and is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet. De Jong is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also fill in as a holding midfielder if required. He doesn’t give away possession cheaply but needs to add a few more goals to his game in the future.
De Jong was an important member of Xavi’s first XI last season and seems to be a favourite amongst the Catalan club‘s supporters. Thus, it makes no sense for Barca to cash in on him this summer as the Dutchman is still under a long-term contract at the Nou Camp.
At 25, de Jong’s best years are ahead of him, so the Catalans should think about not letting him leave when the transfer window reopens later this summer. The Netherlands international can still play an influential role for Barca if Xavi decides to keep hold of him beyond this year.