Aheed Abrar
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Erik ten Hag he was happy to join Manchester United in the summer
Frenkie de Jong told Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag that he was happy to join the Red Devils from Barcelona in the recent transfer window, according to The Sun (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Red Devils were pursuing the 25-year-old’s signature in the summer of 2022. A deal had also been struck between Xavi’s team and the Old Trafford side. However, in the end, the Holland international stayed at the Camp Nou side.
De Jong’s deferred wages were the obstacle, as the midfielder has expressed to the gaffer that he was open to making a move to the Manchester-based club. However, in public, the 25-year-old stated that he was keen on staying in Catalunya.
Ten Hag is still eyeing a move for the Holland international. The gaffer is confident of the midfielder’s qualities and believes he can improve United in the middle of the park.
The Dutch manager previously managed the 25-year-old during their days at Ajax. The Holland international had a fruitful spell in Amsterdam with the current Old Trafford side’s head coach in charge.
In the current campaign, De Jong had initially found it hard to get into Barcelona’s starting lineup. However, in recent fixtures, the midfielder has become a pivotal player for Xavi.
The 25-year-old also showcased his qualities in Qatar with the Netherlands. He put in world-class displays for the Oranje as they made it to the quarter-finals, only to be beaten by eventual champions Argentina.
United ended up signing Christian Eriksen and Casemiro to bolster the engine room after the departure of the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in the recent transfer window. The Danish and Brazilian stars have exceeded expectations in their short time at the club.
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However, in order to challenge for the biggest titles, the Red Devils evidently need a better squad. De Jong is the sort of player with the ability to get into any top side. However, whether we are successful in getting hold of the 25-year-old in the future remains to be seen.
