Spanish publication Sport is claiming that Manchester United are very close to signing Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona.
The midfielder had recently made it clear that he has no intentions of leaving Barcelona in the summer but it seems like the club does not share the same feelings.
Barca’s financial condition is a mess which is why the club’s more than willing to part ways with the midfielder and this decision has now put doubts in De Jong’s mind as well.
The midfielder is now said to be considering a move to Man United so the OT outfit are now confident that a deal will be struck. He even dropped his first hint about not being content with his first-team role at Barcelona.
“I like to be the first player to receive the ball from the defenders. In the national team I play differently compared to Barca. And I think this one fits me better,” De Jong said, as per the Daily Mail.
🚨 Barcelona and Manchester United are on the verge reaching an agreement for the transfer of Frenkie de Jong for around €80m.
The player wants to stay but has doubts about his future because Barça clearly want to sell him.
(Source: @Sport) pic.twitter.com/AqHfYIzHUt
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 4, 2022
Will Frenkie de Jong turn out to be the catalyst for Man United’s revival?
If Frenkie de Jong is seriously thinking of leaving then it’s only a matter of time before Man United get hold of him and this is the player who can actually help bring back the glory days.
Erik ten Hag wants De Jong because he is someone who has great distribution skills, can also come out with the ball and most importantly, he is ready to play a deeper role. Paul Pogba also had the first two traits but the Frenchman was eager to play a more advanced role.
However, Frenkie de Jong wants to play deep which will not only help provide cover for someone like Fred or McTominay but at the same time, Bruno Fernandes will not have the burden to come back and help out in defence.
On paper, the Dutch international has the ability to become the fulcrum for Man United’s first XI but the only cause of concern for Ten Hag will be the fact that he is not a very physical player and the Premier League is one of the most physically intimidating leagues in Europe.
