Manchester United warned against repeat saga for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
Andy Cole, a Manchester United icon, has urged the Red Devils not to repeat the transfer saga with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong next summer.
With the appointment of Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford side’s dugout at the end of last season, the Manchester-based club chased the Holland international’s signature for a long time.
In the end, negotiations for the 25-year-old did not reach fruition due to his wage dispute with the Blaugrana. The midfielder had also publicly maintained that he wanted to stay at the Camp Nou side.
In the summer of 2023, after a painstaking pursuit for the former Ajax star, United turned their attention to Casemiro. The Brazil international has been a game-changer at Old Trafford side with his stellar displays.
However, the gaffer is still open to making a move for De Jong in the coming months. However, the midfielder recently once again reiterated his desire to remain at Barcelona.
Speaking to King Casino Bonus (h/t Manchester Evening News), Cole, who spent six years with the Red Devils, believes the club should pursue players who actually want to move to Manchester.
“De Jong is a very good player and there is no disputing that, but if you look at last season’s transfer saga and you have to wonder why would Manchester United want to put themselves in that position again.
“Going in for De Jong again makes them look desperate, this is Manchester United football club we’re talking about here. If you don’t want to play for them then move on to your next option.”
De Jong made a name for himself under Ten Hag at Ajax. Subsequently, the Blaugrana signed him in the summer of 2019. After a bit of uncertainty with the arrival of Xavi in the Spanish giants’ dugout, the 25-year-old has established himself as a key player for the La Liga outfit once again.
While the Dutch manager is familiar with the Holland international’s abilities, it does not make sense to pursue someone who does not want to move to United. We have already wasted enough time seeking to acquire the midfielder’s services.
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Instead, it would be wise for the Red Devils to look for alternative targets who have more than a realistic chance of considering the Old Trafford side’s proposal.
