Manchester United have opened talks with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to The Guardian and Fabrizio Romano.
With the Spanish club still struggling financially, the sale of the midfielder could be forced for around £72.4 million.
Manchester United have opened direct talks with Barça for Frenkie de Jong. Price tag around €85m, waiting for opening bid. 🚨 #MUFC
De Jong is still not convinced to leave Barça and he wants UCL football – Man Utd will try to push again as Barça need to solve financial issues. pic.twitter.com/jT18D37sPK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2022
Barcelona Midfielder Subject of Talks With Manchester United
De Jong Needs Convincing Over Old Trafford Move
There has been no official bid yet from the club with talks only recently opening. Despite United’s interest, it is believed that de Jong is reluctant to leave Barcelona. The midfielder dreams of success at the club and is determined to remain to play Champions League football.
The struggles of last season look set to haunt the Red Devils with the prospect of not playing in Europe’s top competition being a stumbling block. With more clubs likely to ignite interest for the 25-year-old, he may decide to wait it out rather than play in the Europa League next season.
New manager Erik ten Hag previously coached de Jong at Ajax for two seasons. The pair ended their time together with the 2018/19 Eredivisie and a run to the Champions League semi-finals.
It is hoped that the previous relationship the two had could convince de Jong to join the Red Devils. The signing of such a prestigious midfielder would also send a statement that the rebuild is starting under ten Hag.
Pogba’s Replacement?
Paul Pogba has now officially stated he is leaving the club. After originally being brought for a world record fee from Juventus, his time at the club has been mixed. The World Cup winner has looked set to depart for some time with there being a possibility of him returning to the Old Lady. This leaves the club light for first-team options in this area.
Only Fred and Scott McTominay are first-team players for this position with Nemanja Matic also having departed. De Jong could be seen as the perfect replacement for Pogba by ten Hag. With the midfielder’s portfolio, he should be able to control the midfield with ease and match the style of the club.
Securing the midfield is vital to the new manager’s success with the position already light. The Dutchman needs to ensure it is addressed soon before it becomes a problem. United have been in search of a midfielder since the last campaign. With Manchester City entering the race to sign Kalvin Phillips, it looks like their interest may now be focused on other targets.
