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After being established as a priority signing for Manchester United, the club have begun talks with Barcelona over the potential acquisition of Frenkie De Jong. The Dutch international is believed to be happy in Catalonia, but with the Spanish giants cash-stripped and in need of capital, they could indeed be tempted by a bid for De Jong.
United are ready to spend up £75 million on a man who they believe could solve their midfield woes. The Manchester club have released the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, leaving Erik Ten Hag’s midfield notably thin on the ground. Signing a player of De Jong’s calibre would not nullify this issue in itself, but he would improve United’s midfield.
However, as Sky Sports have reported today, there are some “significant obstacles” to overcome for United. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, one of those issues is De Jong’s reluctance to make the switch. The 25-year-old revealed yesterday that he’d “prefer to stay at Barça.” United’s lack of Champions League football next season could cost them in this pursuit.
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United fans can only hope the possibility of re-igniting his relationship with Erik Ten Hag is enticing enough in itself for De Jong. The Dutchman made a name for himself under the new United boss at Ajax, earning himself a move to the club of his “dreams” in the form of Barcelona. For now, he seems to be unwilling to walk away from that dream.
The Sky Sports report revealed United are looking at a number of midfielders this summer, and it may be time for the Old Trafford club to begin prioritising some other names. If De Jong doesn’t want to make the switch to Manchester, there is little point putting time and resources into this pursuit. Even if De Jong were to leave Barça this summer, United might not even be at the top of his list of priorities. It might be time for United to look elsewhere.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Manchester United, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag