Manchester United's pursuit of a Barcelona star has received a boost thanks to an announcement from LaLiga.
After years of underperformance and stagnation, change is in the air at Old Trafford.
Last week the Football Association approved the £1.3 billion investment in Man United by INEOS, founded and chaired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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The British billionaire's company own 25 per cent of the club, but have taken complete control of footballing operations.
One of Ratcliffe's main objectives is to conduct an overhaul of the playing squad, something United fans have been calling for for years.
United boss Erik ten Hag could really do with a new midfielder, especially given the struggles of summer signings Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat.
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Every summer for the past four years, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a move to United. The Premier League side are still keen on the Dutch star, and a recent development could help them to finally land their target.
Following the conclusion of the winter transfer window, LaLiga has confirmed the official salary caps for all of the teams playing in the top two divisions of Spanish football.
Barcelona's Sports Squad Cost Limit (LCPD) for the start of next season will be €204 million, down from €270m and €648m before that after the effect of economic 'levers' ended.
The problem is that Barcelona's current spending on the wages of the first-team squad, head coach Xavi Hernandez, his assistant, physical trainer and staff in the youth sections amounts to over €400m, double what they will be allowed to spend at the start of next season.
Unless they cut down their wage bills, Barcelona will not be able to register any new signings to play in LaLiga, or even current players whose LaLiga registration ends in June such as Inigo Martinez and Vitor Roque.
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Joan Laporta's club might have to adhere to a '50% rule', where they only spend one euro for every two they save.
As a solution, Barcelona sporting director Deco and president Laporta will likely look to offload some high-earners this summer, of which De Jong is one.
The 26-year-old joined the Catalan club in 2019 from Ajax, but came close to joining United in 2022 when Barcelona accepted an offer of around £63m. The midfielder rejected the move.
De Jong is an important member of Xavi's squad, but the Spanish coach is stepping down from his position at the end of the season.
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Given the on and off-field instability at Barcelona and their need to free up salary cap space, 2024 could be the year United finally get their man.
Topics: Manchester United, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Premier League, La Liga, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours