Recent reports from the Mirror state that Manchester United are keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the ongoing transfer window as Erik Ten Hag looks set to add to his options in the middle of the park.
The former Ajax player is reportedly Ten Hag’s number one target ahead of the 2022/23 season, but he has been firm about the fact that his priority is to stay and excel in Catalunya. However, Barcelona’s financial adversity could force them to cash in on the 25-year-old midfielder.
“I have enough confidence in myself [to be a success at Barcelona]. I am not afraid. I recently spoke extensively with the trainer [Xavi]. That was a very good conversation.” – de Jong said in a recent interview.
“I will not go into that [the links to United]. Not even about other names or clubs. I used to be naive and open-minded about it. I don’t do that anymore. I understand that that link is made. That sum is not that difficult, it is logical. I have enjoyed working with Ten Hag at Ajax – and I can’t look into the future, of course. But I prefer to stay at Barcelona.”
“That has always been my dream club and it still is. As long as I don’t hear from the club management, I assume nothing is going on.”
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A Big Blow For The Red Devils?
It’s no surprise that Manchester United are in dire need of a holding midfielder – someone with an impressive work rate, an exceptional passing range, and capable of winning ground duels – and de Jong fits the bill perfectly. The Netherlands international doesn’t view Manchester United as an attractive option at the moment, and given the disastrous season they have had, it’s entirely reasonable. The lack of Champions League football for the 2022/23 season further reduces the Red Devils’ appeal as an ambitious club. Nonetheless, Erik Ten Hag’s past relations with the midfielder during his Ajax tenure might play a deciding role when Manchester United test the waters with an initial offer.
His arrival would provide competition for the duo of Fred and Scott McTominay at the centre of the park. With Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, and Nemanja Matic also set to depart, the Dutch tactician would need reliable figures in midfield, players who are capable of playing at the highest level week in and week out – and de Jong, who is averaging 47 appearances per season for the last three seasons, could offer precisely the same.
Hence, irrespective of the price he’s available at, the board should go all out for his signature in the summer transfer window.
