Erik ten Hag’s top midfield target during his first summer at Manchester United was unquestionably Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
The Dutch midfielder’s name became the ire of the United fanbase for weeks due to the club’s persistence in signing the midfielder and De Jong’s reported persistence in remaining at Camp Nou.
The deal didn’t happen and United instead pivoted their targets and signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid for £70 million.
The Dutch midfielder was the archetypal midfield option Ten Hag wanted in his midfield and it is easy to see why the Dutchman was a target.
His poise and elegance on the ball would be ideal for a United side crying out for this at the moment.
Contract talks stall
Well, the Barcelona midfielder, whose contract expires in 2026, has reportedly not yet been offered a new contract by the Spanish giants.
According to a report from Marca, the Spanish giants would be keen on offering the midfielder a new contract but have not yet made any contact about a renewal.
The renewal of the midfielder’s contract will not be easy due to his high wages according to the report.
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The player is also in no rush to extend his time at the Spanish club, so this may well open the door for another club to come in for the former Ajax man.
Would United make a move
If there was any inkling of the midfielder being unhappy in Spain you could put good money on United making their move for De Jong.
The report doesn’t state the midfielder is currently unhappy but the delay from the club in offering him a new contract, after such a good season last year, may well upset the Dutchman.
Barcelona’s financial situation may well mean they can’t offer the midfielder a contract and you wonder if United would come in if this turned into a serious issue.