Manchester United and Barcelona are allegedly close to settling on a deal for Frenkie de Jong’s move.
Despite his Blaugrana contract, which extends through the summer of 2026, the 25-year-old’s future has been put into question in recent weeks.
The arrival of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford has sparked speculation that the new Red Devils boss would want to reconcile with the player he managed during his hugely successful spell at Ajax.
De Jong was a key figure in the Amsterdam giants’ run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-finals, earning him a £77.4 million move to Catalonia in the summer of 2019.
Since then, the midfielder has 13 goals and 17 assists in 139 appearances for Barcelona, with the 2020-21 Copa del Rey title being his lone trophy at the club.
During the 2021-22 season, both Ronald Koeman and Xavi made De Jong a regular starter in the Blaugrana XI, and he finished with four goals and five assists in 46 appearances.
Man United have made headway in their discussions with Barcelona, according to Sport, and are getting closer to a deal that could see them pay €80 million (£68.7 million) for the Dutchman’s signing.
According to the source, there is a “real likelihood” that De Jong will terminate his three-year contract with Barcelona in the next weeks, and Man United does not expect any more stumbling blocks in the discussions.
After the former Willem II prodigy recently indicated his wish to remain in Spain, it is now up to the 20-time English champions to persuade De Jong to make the transfer to Old Trafford.
What de Jong thinks:
“I prefer to stay with Barcelona,” De Jong told ESPN.
“Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I’ve never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice.”
The inability of Man United to qualify for the Champions League is believed to have caused concern among the players, but there is rising hope at Old Trafford that a deal may be reached.
Ten Hag has already said his goodbyes to a number of midfielders ahead of his debut season in charge, with Paul Pogba leading the way out on a free transfer.
Manchester United have also parted ways with Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard, as well as forward Edinson Cavani and goalkeeper Lee Grant.
