Manchester United are reportedly in direct contact with Barcelona for the signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong, as Erik ten Hag awaits his first signing of the summer transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United and Barcelona are working to strike a deal in the range of €85million, which is Barcelona’s asking price. De Jong, 25, rated as one of Europe’s best central midfielders, has been linked with a move to Manchester United all summer.
Why it’s imperative Manchester United sign Frenkie de Jong
After a forgettable 2021/22 campaign that resulted in Manchester United finishing sixth with 58 points — their worst total for 32 years — ten Hag knows he has an uphill task on his hands. The Dutch tactician, 52, has plenty on his plate with regards to transfers as he aims to make a positive start at Old Trafford.
On the incomings, the club wants to address several positions across the pitch. Having seen the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard leave on free transfers this summer at the end of their contracts, the Red Devils are scouring the market to reinforce their midfield options.
Gerard Romero: "Barca have already prepared a farewell video for Frenkie de Jong’s departure"
Frenkie to Man Utd is now a matter of when ✅️ pic.twitter.com/SbRWSDeYw4
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) June 29, 2022
De Jong is the player Ten Hag is desperate to be reunited with at the club. De Jong and Ten Hag enjoyed a successful working relationship together during their time at Ajax, and the latter wants to build his midfield around the talented Dutchman.
Following Matic’s departure, Manchester United lack a player to anchor their midfield—protecting their backline while initiating attacks. De Jong could be exactly that player for them, replacing Matic at the heart of the midfield. The 25-year-old is a classy passer and ball-carrier, while his vision, creativity and defensive acumen could add a new dynamic to the Red Devils’ midfield.
The Netherlands international would represent an instant upgrade on Fred and Scott McTominay, whilst his potential reunion with Donny Van de Beek, who played with him at Ajax from 2017 to 2019—will be music to the fans. Plus, de Jong gets to play regular football and operate under a manager who rates him highly and knows his best position on the pitch.
For Manchester United, this is the sort of signing they desperately need to be making to start their rebuild. De Jong has proven quality and could take his game to the next level after joining forces with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
