According to ESPN, Manchester United are preparing for a possible continuation of the transfer saga in January.
Although United have signed Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, who are already showing signs of being incredibly profitable players at Old Trafford, another midfielder’s move could be on the horizon. The midfielder in question is, once again, Frenkie de Jong.
Frenkie de Jong’s escapade lasted three months in the summer when Erik ten Hag made it clear that the Barcelona midfielder was his priority target.
Chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough even traveled to the Catalan city and agreed a deal in principle. Barcelona bosses were keen to kick de Jong out of Camp Nou given the exorbitant amount of deferred wages still owed to him and the Spanish FA’s salary cap rules.
De Jong kept the same stance throughout the summer: he wanted to stay at his dream club in La Liga. United eventually conceded defeat, agreeing to spend almost double the initial transfer budget after a disastrous start to the season and an eagerness to back their new manager.
With that, Murtough has already cast aside caution that there will be any movement in the winter market. United’s name may have been attached to this report in response to feverish interest last summer. ESPN noted that United would have to “juggle their finances” if they want to get involved in any meaningful deals this January.
This season has not been the most fruitful for the Dutchman, however, with Gavi, Pedri and Busquets being the preferred options in Xavi’s midfield. He has only started five games in all competitions this season.
However, Xavi praised the former Ajax player after his stellar performance against Villareal last night, which seems to open the door for De Jong to try to consolidate himself in Barcelona’s starting eleven again.
“He is convincing me to be in the center of midfield for this team, he was very good and I am very happy for him,” he said.
Barcelona is also about to be eliminated from the Champions League. They sit three points behind Inter Milan and eight points behind Bayern Munich with two games remaining. Champions League football had been seen as a crucial aspect in De Jong’s decision to stay.
In addition, the Barca hierarchy continues to compete to reduce excess spending by selling non-essential players.
ESPN’s Rob Dawson and James Olley have reported that along with United, Chelsea would also rekindle their interest if De Jong gives the green light. Todd Boehly has shown a willingness to spend big cash and buy big players. Chelsea also dealt with Barcelona on a number of occasions during the summer, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marcos Alonso making successful deals.
N’Golo Kante will be sidelined for around four months after he underwent hamstring surgery this week. Boehly could look to complement midfield options and impress Graham Potter by buying a defensive midfielder who plays the ball and fits with the new coach’s philosophy.
Liverpool are also reported to be ready to enter the market for a new midfielder. ESPN sources detailed that the club has already made a first contact with De Jong’s representatives.
Additionally, De Jong is represented by Ali Dursan of HCM Sports Management. The agency was somewhat involved in negotiations for the transfers of Tyrell Malacia, Donny van de Beek and Victor Lindelöf to United. Boehly is also said to be in friendly dialogue with the company.
What is worth noting is that all three clubs have been linked with Jude Bellingham’s move from Borussia Dortmund next summer, a saga that is expected to spark a whirlwind of suitors, offers and stories. De Jong would cost half the price, would be the most feasible signing and would cause less of a frenzy.
Once again, whether De Jong wants to break his contract with his dream club seems to be the key question in any potential transfer.
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