Erik Ten Hag has identified Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong as a priority target this summer as he begins his revamp of an unsteady Manchester United squad. However, the 25-year-old is said to be hesitant about a potential move to the Theatre of Dreams and is understood to be very happy at Barcelona.
Unfortunately, what the former Ajax man really wants is something Erik Ten Hag can’t offer him at Manchester United – Champions League football. After a brief stint in the Europa League last season, Barcelona have returned to Europe’s elite competition, and in spite of a few wobbles since Xavi’s appointment as manager, the Catalan club appear to be on the right track again.
However, regardless of De Jong’s preference this summer, where he ends up at the end of it could be heavily influenced by the offers presented to Barcelona for the Dutchman. Barcelona once again find themselves in financial disarray and could find a substantial offer for De Jong difficult to turn down, especially considering the plethora of engine room talent they already have at their disposal. According to Manchester Evening News, United are reportedly ready to spend up to £75 million on De Jong.
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Frenkie De Jong is happy in Barcelona. He’s recently purchased a new home in Catalonia and he’s currently playing for a club he dreamed of playing for as a child. It won’t be easy for him to walk away from that, especially if he is going to have to move to a club playing in the Europa League. If he is to leave Barça, there may also be other interested clubs he’d prefer to join, such as PSG who reportedly hold an interest in the midfielder.
So, with a busy summer ahead, United can’t be too patient with De Jong. The Barcelona man may still have a strong relationship with Erik Ten Hag, but if he doesn’t want to make the switch to Manchester, other targets must be identified. Manchester United must improve their midfield and they cannot fail to do so because of an ill-fated pursuit of De Jong.
Topics: Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Manchester United, Transfers
Robert Worthington