Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
Liverpool could end up signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong if the chance arises, according to former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor.
The Lowdown: De Jong on the move?
The Dutchman was endlessly linked with a move away from Barca throughout the summer transfer window but ended up remaining at the Nou Camp.
There continues to be speculation surrounding De Jong’s long-term future, however, and a move to England potentially looks on the cards thanks to Barca’s torrid financial situation.
There are arguably others with more financial backing leading the chase to sign the 25-year-old, but that hasn’t stopped links to Anfield, and talkSPORT’s Agbonlahor believes it’s a genuine possibility.
The Latest: Liverpool backed to sign midfielder
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor talked up the Reds’ chances of bringing De Jong to Anfield but only if they finish in the top four:
“It wouldn’t surprise me. But it’s very difficult at the moment to decide on transfers because Liverpool are in a battle, a real battle for top four.
“You can’t predict any transfers until the end of the season when we know the positions and they are guaranteed.
“In previous seasons, you would start talking now because Liverpool would be guaranteed to be in the top two, top three. Now they are not, they are in a battle for the top four.
“If they don’t get in the top four, they can forget about De Jong, they can definitely forget about Bellingham. They are in a real battle at the moment.”
The Verdict: Perfect addition
Although it arguably feels unlikely that De Jong will end up in a Liverpool shirt, he could be a fantastic addition at the end of the season, or even in January.
The Reds’ midfield has lacked legs and guile all season and he could provide both, having enjoyed a 92.4% pass completion rate in La Liga in 2022/23 to date.
Barca manager Xavi has described De Jong as an ‘extraordinary’ player – high praise from such a legendary figure – and he could be a major part of Liverpool’s midfield rebuild.
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