Tottenham are reportedly interested in Ajax star Frenkie De Jong and have sent scouts to keep an eye on the Barcelona target prior to January.
If the report from Express is to be believed, Barcelona might find competition in their pursuit of Frenkie De Jong when the winter transfer window opens. Frenkie De Jong has emerged as a January target for Tottenham, with Spurs sending scouts to keep an eye on the Ajax star’s performances during the coming few months.
Frenkie De Jong burst onto the scene in the 2017-18 season. While he completed a move to Ajax from Willem II in 2015 and even managed to break into the Ajax first-team setup in the 2016-17 season, it was the 2017-18 Eredivisie campaign where he truly came into his own.
8 assists in the league was enough for the world to take note of his talent, with the likes of Barcelona tracking the star. The summer saw intense speculation linking the 21-year-old with a move to Barcelona. But, the window closed with no real development, despite initial reports of an agreement.
Barcelona were in search of additions to the midfield. Ernesto Valverde saw the Board sign Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo for the cause. But, the manager seemed intent on another midfielder, with Paul Pogba and Frenkie De Jong the names topping the shortlist.
While Pogba stayed put, De Jong’s admission that he would like to stay at Ajax for at least one more season saw Barcelona put their pursuit of the Dutch star on the burner. But, a January move is mooted, with reports stating that talks have already happened over the possibility of landing the midfielder mid-season. Tottenham though, could play spoilsport.
Tottenham’s inability to add any player to their roster during the summer transfer window was heavily criticised. And it came back to haunt them, with the club losing to Watford in a defeat which saw Mauricio Pochettino slam his players.
Add to it the fact that Mousa Dembele is being linked with a big-money move to China and Tottenham might be in need of additions to their midfield in January. Spurs have shortlisted Frenkie De Jong and have already sent scouts to keep a track of the player’s performances.
De Jong has been used as a central defender this season but is primarily a holding midfielder, which is what Tottenham would need if they were to look for a replacement for Mousa Dembele. With De Jong rated at around £40 million, Tottenham could stand in good stead while negotiating with Ajax.
For, unlike other clubs, Tottenham did not bargain and decided to pay the full asking price to land Davinson Sanchez from Ajax earlier.
One thing is for sure; Frenkie De Jong will be popular in the transfer market come January. Barcelona and Tottenham might both move in for him. And if they do, it will be tough for Ajax to retain the services of the 21-year-old.
