Ken RussoManchester United had tried to sign Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona last year but eventually, Ten Hag failed to land him but if reports are to be believed then arch-rivals MCFC could make a move for him in the coming weeks.
The new Man United manager was desperate to sign De Jong but the midfielder did not want to join the Red Devils even when Barca was ready to offload him. Barcelona’s finances are not that great and in such a scenario, Manchester City is reportedly planning to make a €110 million offer for the 26-year-old.
Journalist Dean Jones has also confirmed City’s interest in the midfielder but he’s also claimed that the reigning EPL champions are not likely to get their hands on him.
Jones has told Football Fan Cast: “They only really intended to go out and do Gvardiol and Kovacic, but we shouldn’t rule out other players arriving and one of those is the potential for a midfielder.
“Frenkie de Jong has been linked; I can’t see them being able to get Frankie in this window. Gabri Veiga has been linked; he’s probably a bit more seeable. It’ll be interesting to see if Man City has a trick up their sleeve, but first and foremost, they’ll look to get that Gvardiol deal done.”
Will MCFC be able to convince the FC Barcelona star?
Will MCFC be able to convince the FC Barcelona star or will United play spoilt-sport?
Frenkie de Jong has time and again made it clear that he’s happy at FC Barcelona but the club’s still in financial turmoil which is why a €110 million bid will be tempting for them.
He was one of the standout players for Barca last season as he had an average rating of 7.53 out of 10 in 33 La Liga matches.
MCFC has missed out on Declan Rice which is why they are probably planning to use that money in trying to sign Frenkie de Jong. The club has signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea but at the same time, Gundogan has left the club and there are rumours that Bernardo Silva could also be on his way out.
Last season, John Stones played as the second defensive midfielder alongside Rodri which means Guardiola will need to bring in at least two world-class central midfielders.
De Jong snubbed a move to Manchester United last summer primarily because he did not want to play in the Europa League but at City, he will be taking the field for the reigning Champions League winners. United have gotten back into the UCL but MCFC are in a league of their own at the moment.
Man United has not been particularly linked with the midfielder this summer and it’s safe to say they won’t join this transfer race. They have just signed Mason Mount for £60 million so there’s no way they will spend another £80-85 million on the Barcelona man. Also, Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat seems to be the main focus for Ten Hag at the moment.
De Jong is a key part of Xavi’s squad and the FC Barcelona manager will love to hold onto him but if such a tempting offer comes in, Barca will most likely allow him to leave.
Now, the final decision, just like the previous season will lay on Frenkie de Jong.
If he is convinced with the idea of playing under Pep Guardiola in England then there’s every chance the 26-year-old could be playing alongside Rodri or Kovacic next season. MCFC is currently the best team in the world and playing for them will mean guaranteed trophies for the next two to three campaigns.
