Surajit Das
Frenkie de Jong ‘under heavy pressure’ to accept Manchester United offer
According to Algemeen Dagblad, Barcelona are pressing Frenkie de Jong to accept a transfer to Manchester United.
With Barcelona including Frenkie de Jong in their team for their preseason tour of the United States, the protracted transfer story of the Dutchman has taken a new turn. The Red Devils’ summer recruitment continues to place a high priority on the Dutch international, but a deal doesn’t seem any closer to being finalised.
Now it is believed that with the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, De Jong is ‘under heavy pressure’ from Barcelona’s management as the Catalan team wouldn’t be able to register new players until they lighten their wage bill.
Having a long contract, large wage amount and a high market price, De Jong has become the scapegoat for Barcelona and they are now pushing hard to convince him to transfer to Manchester United.
In 46 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season, the 25-year-old midfielder has contributed five assists and four goals. Despite his efforts, the Dutchman’s on-field successes have not always earned the hearts of the Barcelona fans.
Frenkie de Jong’s future at Manchester United has been up in the air for a while, but right now, Barcelona’s desire to offload him is the first overt sign that a transfer might actually be imminent.
He has occasionally been a victim of his own talent at Barcelona because he is the skilful midfielder who is constantly expected to do everything on the field. What other midfielders might consider a strong performance, the Dutchman could consider an ordinary one.
Unrealistic expectations typically hinder a player’s performance, but Erik ten Hag at Ajax was able to help de Jong live up to them. So nothing is stopping them from replicating that success at Manchester United.
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The Red Devils must use every available means to try and recruit Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona’s stance can make the Dutchman feel underappreciated and that’s the opportunity, Red Devils should take advantage of. It remains to be seen how far the story goes.
