Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is a rumoured target for Manchester United, with The Guardian reporting interest earlier this month.
The real challenge is whether De Jong can be convinced to join Manchester United, despite Erik ten Hag’s presence as manager, his former Ajax boss.
De Jong was a Barcelona fan growing up and signing for the club in 2019 was a dream come true for him, so he is reluctant to move on.
He told The Guardian earlier this year, ‘I am very happy’ at Barcelona, and wanted to stay and help the team achieve success. Not much has changed.
De Jong message to Barcelona supporters
Barcelona’s season is over, finishing second, 13 points behind rivals Real Madrid, with no silverware. By their high standards, it was a disappointment.
De Jong sent a message to Barcelona supporters today, reflecting on the club’s campaign, which included the key line, ‘we will work hard to do better next season’.
The Dutchman is speaking like he intends to stay, and that indicates Manchester United have so far been unsuccessful in changing his mind.
It doesn’t mean De Jong can’t be turned, and Barcelona could have to sell to raise funds, but there is an increasing case that Manchester United should just walk away.
United should not waste too much time trying to convince a player who wants to join, whose heart is not in it. The club will probably end up having to over-compensate financially to lure him away.
We have seen before this just doesn’t really work, and can be detrimental to the team.
Erik ten Hag will know De Jong’s character, and may feel that this is not a risk, in which case we defer to the boss’ judgement.
But with only a month to go until United’s players report for pre-season training on June 27, the club will want to strike some early deals, and the De Jong move, doesn’t appear like it is anywhere near advanced as Barcelona journalist Gerard Romero previously suggested it was a fortnight ago.
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