Manchester United have revived their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
Manchester United face a pivotal summer transfer window, one that could go a long way in defining their trajectory for the forthcoming campaigns.
Ruben Amorim has inherited a disjointed and bloated squad that needs overhauling as per his image and vision. The Portuguese tactician’s top priority will be the acquisition of a ruthless No.9, owing to the well-documented struggles of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in front of goal this season. in addition to a centre-forward, he will also want to add quality to his midfield unit.
The Red Devils have been overrun in the midfield several times this season—as recently as last week in the dramatic Europa League encounter against Lyon at Old Trafford. The likes of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes have not managed to control games enough from the middle of the park.
Fernandes has operated in different positions in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 tactical setup. He is the team’s most creative player, but with Amad Diallo and Zirkzee on the sidelines, that role has increasingly fallen on the Portuguese’s shoulders. So, there is also the notion that INEOS may look to bring in players who are capable of controlling the tempo of games and providing creativity from deeper midfield.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is back on Man United’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window. They have put him at the top of their list of reinforcements, but Barcelona do not want to part ways with one of their key players.
No one can forget the Frenkie de Jong saga during Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford. Ten Hag was keen on reuniting with the Dutch midfielder, after their successful time together at Ajax. However, for some or other reason, a move did not transpire and he has stayed with Barcelona.
Despite De Jong being committed to the project at Camp Nou, the Red Devils are determined to sign him. The aforementioned report adds that the English heavyweights are willing to test Barca’s resolve with an attractive proposal as they are convinced the player will ‘elevate’ their midfield. However, the La Liga league leaders consider the 27-year-old ‘untouchable’.
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De Jong would be a fantastic fit at United, occupying one of the deeper midfield roles in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. The Netherlands international is technically gifted and tactically sound, and he would help the Red Devils in the first phase of their build-up play—something this team have been struggling for years.
However, with the central midfielder keen to stay at Barca and continue living his dream, it would be wise for United to switch their focus elsewhere and target a profile similar to that of De Jong’s.