Just when one thought that Man Utd would get through one transfer window without being drawn into the Frenkie de Jong saga, things have started to surface again regarding a potential move for the Barcelona midfield maestro.
At this point, it does feel like Man Utd are in a toxic relationship with Frenkie de Jong, considering the events that have transpired in the last couple of transfer windows. One thing that we do know is that the 27-year-old is Ten Hag’s dream signing.
Transfer: Man Utd only ready to pay £29.5m for signing as club’s negotiating position deteriorates – Report
As per reports in Spain, Ten Hag and Laporta are closing the deal for the transfer of Frenkie de Jong. Man Utd have now resumed talks for the Dutch midfielder despite the player being out injured for quite some time now.
The Red Devils see him as the perfect midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
The Catalan club want to generate cash from player sales to sign Spanish duo Nico Williams and Dani Olmo and are willing to offer around £67.4m to sign De Jong. This might tempt Barcelona to sell him for such an offer.
However, the report does add that De Jong doesn’t consider Man Utd’s project ‘attractive enough’ to consider a move to Old Trafford. The lack of Champions League football is likely to play a part in this sentiment too.
Generally, quite a fit player, De Jong has struggled with an ankle injury in recent times that has kept him out for a prolonged period. He is not a part of Barcelona’s pre-season squad to the USA and there seems to be no timeframe on his return.
A couple of seasons ago, or maybe even a season ago, signing Frenkie de Jong made a lot of sense. However, the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo is a clear indicator to Man Utd that they need to look beyond the Dutchman.
The duo as a pair in the base of midfield is unlikely to work with both not having the defensive acumen to man that position. What Man Utd need is a more robust, Ugarte-esque profile to pair with Mainoo, who is an exceptional ball carrier. Signing De Jong would not be wise and let’s hope the club honchos see it the same way as us.
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