Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - November 5, 2022. FC Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong celebrates scoring their second goal with Ansu Fati.
Manchester United remain interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.
The Lowdown: De Jong a constant target
The Dutchman has found himself endlessly linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent times, whether it be last summer or again in January, with the two teams even agreeing an initial fee of €75million (£63million) before the start of this season.
De Jong has remained loyal to Barcelona to date, however, refusing to move after that agreement was met and proving to be a key player for them so far this season, starting 19 La Liga matches in total.
The United rumours are refusing to go away, though, with Pete O’Rourke sharing the latest ahead of this summer’s window.
The Latest: Ten Hag’s first choice
According to Football Insider‘s O’Rourke, the Red Devils ‘remain keen’ on acquiring De Jong’s services this summer.
They are planning to ‘reignite their interest’ in the Barca man, whose current contract expires in 2026, with the Catalans ‘aware they will have to sell to help manage their financial problems’.
Erik ten Hag wants a new striker first but also a new central midfielder, and De Jong is his ‘first choice’.
The Verdict: Perfect summer addition?
De Jong could be absolutely perfect for United this summer, adding both class and energy to the midfield at a time when a younger signing is needed in that area.
The 25-year-old is superb on the ball, enjoying an incredible 90.5% pass completion rate in La Liga this season, but he also averaged 2.4 tackles per game for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, showing his tenacity on the defensive side.
De Jong could be the perfect foil for Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, proving to be a box-to-box link man, and he would also represent a younger option than both, as well as Christian Eriksen.
He was described as both ‘spectacular’ and ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’ by Xavi over the weekend, which further highlights his brilliance, and the arrival of the Dutchman along with a marquee striker signing could be massive for Ten Hag’s future.
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