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Manchester United is once again eyeing FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with Erik ten Hag keen to strengthen his squad in the upcoming January transfer window.
Ten Hag, who has long considered De Jong a priority signing, believes that the Dutch international could be the missing piece to improve United’s midfield, which has struggled at times this season.
This renewed interest comes after a prolonged transfer saga in the summer of 2022 when United made several attempts to attract De Jong to Old Trafford.
Despite persistent efforts, including financial incentives and the promise of a prominent role, De Jong ultimately opted to stay at Barcelona.
His decision was a significant setback for United, especially after months of speculation and intense fan interest in the potential transfer.
However, financial difficulties at Barcelona may have changed the situation.
The Catalan club has been facing ongoing economic challenges, and De Jong’s high salary, along with his contract until 2026, leaves room for a possible transfer.
If the right offer comes through, Barcelona could be open to negotiations, especially if it helps ease some of their financial burdens.
According to Fichajes.net, the proposed transfer fee for De Jong is estimated to be around €60-70 million, a substantial investment that United seems prepared to make.
Ten Hag, who previously coached De Jong at Ajax, is confident that reuniting with the 27-year-old would bring quality to United’s midfield and change the course of their season.
Despite recent injury setbacks, De Jong’s talent and vision are undeniable, and United sees him as a key player in their mission to regain domestic and European success.
Whether this latest pursuit will be successful where previous attempts failed remains to be seen, but it’s evident that United is determined to secure one of Ten Hag’s top targets.
