Transfer News: Manchester United positioned to complete signing of Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong
According to El Nacional (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United are well-positioned to land the signature of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
The 24-year-old star has been part of the capitulation at the Catalan club over the last couple of years. So vast has been the decline that their recent exit from the Champions League did not come as a surprise to most football fans. Despite this, De Jong has been shining in the centre of the pitch.
Since signing in 2019, the Dutch international has made 113 appearances for the Blaugrana. However, Man United are now trying to lure him out of the Nou Camp. Paul Pogba could leave on a free transfer next summer and an exit is very likely for the Frenchman.
The Barcelona midfielder is seen as a replacement for him and it is also said that the Red Devils are the most interested party in signing the former Ajax Amsterdam man.
Can we actually lure him to Manchester?
The Old Trafford outfit could be the most interested party, but that does nothing to convince the La Liga club to let their prized asset leave. Xavi is rebuilding the Spanish outfit and youthful players have an important role in that- something De Jong is certainly a part of.
Moreover, the player has a contract until 2024. Barcelona may be in a tough financial situation but they could use this in their favour and command a blockbuster fee for the midfielder- if they would be open to selling the midfielder in the first place. Alternatively, Man United could use it as a negotiating tool. But for this to happen, it would first require both clubs to at least begin talks over a potential deal.
However, convincing the young star might take a lot. The one thing that might be essential is attaining Champions League football. Another might be providing him with a lucrative contract and building a project around him.
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Man United can also offer him the prospect of playing alongside former teammate Donny van de Beek. This could also churn the best out of the latter without hurting the role Bruno Fernandes plays at the club. But only time will tell whether the Manchester-based club actually pulls off this mega-move.
