According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are doing everything they can to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer. Incoming Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag wants to be reunited with the midfielder at Old Trafford next season. However, there could be resistance from his current boss and the board at Barcelona.
Manchester United Doing Everything They Can to Sign Barcelona Midfielder Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona Would Consider Finances Involved
Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has admitted that the club are conditioned by financial fair play rules. He said: “Frenkie is a quality player, very important. We are conditioned by [financial] fair play, conditioned by the situation inherited by the club,” he said. “We must be patient but are clear that we are going to reinforce the team. It is necessary and we want to compete for the titles next year.”
Like many clubs, Barcelona were hit hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and also their overspending in recent years. The club are now in a situation where the books must remain balanced and any offer that comes in for a player to be considered in the best interests of Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong cost Barcelona £65 million in 2019 when he signed from Ajax. The 25-year-old still has four years left on his current deal; however, should Manchester United submit an offer, it would appear that it would be considered but by no means accepted.
Xavi Wants Key Player to Stay
Current Barcelona head coach Xavi has insisted that Frenkie de Jong is still a “key player” at the club. However, like director Mateu Alemany, Xavi is realistic when it comes to finances. When asked about the player at a recent press conference Xavi added: “I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He’s a key player.
“Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided. I’m not talking about Frenkie, in general.”
Erik ten Hag Wants Reunion With Barcelona Midfielder de Jong
Incoming Manchester United boss Erick ten Hag is hopeful of a reunion with fellow Dutchman Frenkie de Jong. The pair worked together at Ajax as they reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. The duo also helped Ajax to a league and cup double that season before de Jong moved to Barcelona.
With United looking to strengthen in all areas this summer, a player of de Jong’s quality, who knows how ten Hag wants to play, would appear to be the ideal signing as United set off on a new and hopefully exciting new chapter for their fans.
However, it appears it is now down to the player and Barcelona as to whether a deal is completed. Will de Jong want to leave Spain? Would he want to miss out on Champions League football next season and be happy with the Europa League? Will the finances be right for both Manchester United and Barcelona? If reports are true, then United are set to do everything they can to sign Frenkie de Jong.
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