Varun Pai
Transfer News: Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United yet to open talks with Barcelona over January move for Frenkie de Jong
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have not opened negotiations with Barcelona over a move for Frenkie de Jong in January.
The Old Trafford outfit does have some issues in midfield. Nemanja Matic will be out of contract in 2023 while Paul Pogba could depart once his deal expires in the summer. Donny van de Beek is also thought to be on the move in January, according to Sport (h/t The Mirror).
Fred and Scott McTominay cannot hold the midfield all on their own for 365 days a year, although they have looked good under Rangnick. Frenkie de Jong has been linked with the Red Devils recently. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now dismissed those claims and has revealed that the Manchester-based club has not opened negotiations with Barcelona for a potential move.
But the player’s father recently told AD, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, that five European clubs have expressed interest in the midfielder.
“Bayern or United? I know Barça need money, and a great offer could help, but I do not see that happening. However, 5 best clubs in Europe have called for him.”
Ideal midfield signing
Man United may have not made a move yet to sign the former Ajax man, but they would be smart to do so. The central midfielder has arguably been one of the better players at the Blaugrana club during a tough period.
His showing at Ajax itself is enough to warrant a move for him. The 24-year-old has substantial experience in the Champions League and has played at the top level for nearly five years.
Moreover, with Pogba likely to leave in the summer, the Dutch international could be an ideal replacement for the Frenchman. However, it remains to be seen how much dough would be required to land him as he has a contract until 2024 in Catalonia.
More Manchester United News
- Edwin van der Sar: Manchester United star Dean Henderson to Ajax in January makes no sense
- Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick sends a transfer message to Anthony Martial following recent developments
- Manchester United shut down first-team facilities at Carrington following recent Covid outbreak
Regardless, if one of the 5 European clubs that have contacted him is a direct Premier League rival, it could hurt our ambitions of challenging for the biggest trophies in the land in the coming years. Thus, Man United need to move fast before another club swoops him up from the Nou Camp.
Another aspect of this potential move could be his reunion with Donny van de Beek, if the latter stays at the club in the near future. The two were immense together in Amsterdam and playing together with his old mate could bring out the best in our current Dutch midfielder once again.
