Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has agreed to join Manchester United this summer.
The Netherlands international, 25, has been new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s no.1 transfer target in this summer transfer window, having previously coached him at Ajax.
One of the most expensive midfielders, Frenkie de Jong, rose to prominence under Erik ten Hag at Ajax after coming through the youth ranks at Willem II. In 2019, he moved to Barcelona and has been a permanent fixture in Spain ever since, making 139 appearances for the Catalan giants in three seasons, scoring 13 goals and contributing 17 assists in the process.
However, Barcelona’s crunch financial situation continues to remain a problem, which has forced them to offload a few players to balance their books. Manager Xavi Hernandez has accepted De Jong’s sale would help Barcelona ease their financial problems, with the Catalan club demanding £65 million for the central midfielder.
De Jong had previously stated his desire to stay at Camp Nou amidst the club’s financial problems, but it now appears Ten Hag has convinced the 25-year-old to join his forces at Manchester United and be a part of his revolution. The Dutch international is now seemingly interested in reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, and all that remains is a fee to be agreed between Manchester United and Barcelona.
The Dutch tactician is desperate to reinforce the midfield, which has become light following the departures of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Juan Mata on free transfers. On top of that, Bruno Fernandes had a difficult last campaign, while Donny Van de Beek spent the second half of the season on loan at Everton.
Scott McTominay and Fred don’t possess the quality to start week in, week out for the club, so it is not a surprise to see Ten Hag feels the Red Devils’ midfield unit needs surgery.
Frenkie de Jong could be a game-changing signing for the Red Devils
Frenkie de Jong and Ten Hag are believed to share a solid relationship from their time working together at Ajax. Truly, the prospect of a reunion with his former manager is described as a pivotal element in the player’s decision to change his mind and accept a proposal from Manchester United.
The Netherlands international hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations at Barcelona, but he could get back his mojo under Ten Hag at Old Trafford. De Jong is known for his passing skills and ability to dictate the tempo of games. The ex-Ajax star can play a variety of roles across the midfield but performs best in a single pivot where he is given the freedom to receive the ball from the defence and get up the pitch before making a telling pass in the final third.
So if the stars align perfectly, Manchester United would land a game-changing signing in De Jong before the new season commences.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
