Manchester United are reportedly ready to table a bid worth €55 million to secure the services of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Manchester United are keen on signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona in next summer’s transfer window. The Red Devils are willing to offer €55 million to snap up the 24-year-old, but Xavi is determined to keep him at Camp Nou.
Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in July 2019 and has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga. At the same time, the player is also a pivotal figure for the Dutch national side, along with Barcelona teammate Memphis Depay and Virgil van Dijk.
As for his spell with Barcelona, the 24-year-old has made 107 appearances, chipping in with nine goals and 14 assists in the process. However, some of his recent performances have forced Barcelona to consider a possible sale as they continue to scour for ways to balance their books. Such a situation has piqued the interest of Manchester United.
Manchester United are set to enter a transitional phase following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. And reinforcing the midfield unit has to be a priority for the new manager, considering the lack of a reliable presence in the middle of the park has been the major undoing for the Red Devils.
While de Jong is not an out and out holding midfielder, which is the kind of player Manchester United need to sign, he can provide a solid defensive presence in the middle of the park. In addition, the Barcelona midfielder can play as a deep-lying playmaker, which is exactly the role he essays for the Dutch national side.
Hence, de Jong is a viable target for Manchester United, who are prepared to offer €55 million to secure his services. However, Xavi is determined to keep the 24-year-old at Barcelona, even though it has been suggested recently that the club board could be open to the prospect of cashing in on him.
In addition, Barcelona deem the €55 million offer insufficient and will demand a higher sum for the Dutch international. However, with Xavi eager to keep de Jong in his squad, it remains to be seen if he stays put at Camp Nou or if Manchester United can land him instead. With clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester City also eyeing a swoop for de Jong, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.
