Barcelona name asking price for Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona’s midfield maestro, Frenkie de Jong, has once again found himself at the centre of transfer speculation, with Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea poised to enter into a potential bidding war for his services. The Dutch international, whose future at the Camp Nou has been subject to intense scrutiny, has reportedly been given a hefty price tag by Barcelona in anticipation of his departure.

After rebuffing Manchester United’s advances in 2022, opting to remain loyal to Barcelona, De Jong’s stance appears to have shifted amidst the club’s recent struggles both on and off the pitch. With the Red Devils and Chelsea keeping a keen eye on his situation, Barcelona has set an eye-watering £85m valuation on the talented midfielder, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo via Daily Mail.

Despite expressing his satisfaction at Barcelona, De Jong has not completely ruled out the possibility of a move in the future, leaving the door ajar for potential suitors. His contribution on the field has been notable, with 23 appearances this season, although he has only found the back of the net once due to an ankle injury sidelining him for a portion of the campaign.

A good end to the FDJ-United saga?

A potential reunion with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United adds an intriguing layer to the transfer saga. De Jong enjoyed a successful spell under Ten Hag’s tutelage at Ajax, clinching domestic honours and making a memorable run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. The allure of reuniting with his former mentor could sway De Jong’s decision-making process, especially considering his reported desire to join the Red Devils.

Manchester United’s persistent interest in De Jong has been evident, with the club expressing their desire to secure his signature on multiple occasions. Despite failing to land him previously, the Red Devils remain undeterred, with De Jong reportedly indicating his interest in joining the club during discussions with Ten Hag.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have also been closely monitoring De Jong’s situation, ready to pounce should an opportunity arise. The Blues’ “ambitious” recruitment strategy under the stewardship of owner Todd Boehly could see them go head-to-head with Manchester United in the race for the coveted midfielder.

However, French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain could also throw their hat into the ring, adding another dimension to De Jong’s potential destination. With two years remaining (Transfermarkt) on his current deal at Barcelona, the 26-year-old’s future promises to be a hot topic in the upcoming transfer window, as Europe’s elite clubs vie for his signature.

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As the speculation intensifies, De Jong’s decision will ultimately hinge on various factors, including his personal ambitions, potential reunions with former mentors, and the allure of new challenges. For Barcelona, the prospect of losing a key asset like De Jong could signal a significant upheaval in their midfield ranks, while for suitors like Manchester United and Chelsea, securing his services could represent a major coup in their pursuit of silverware. As far as the price tag is concerned, that should not cause a major problem for United.