Manchester United are reportedly ready to shell out a sum of €100 million to seal the double signing of Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay from Barcelona.
According to Fichajes, Manchester United are planning a double raid on Barcelona in the summer transfer window as they wish to sign Dutch duo Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay. The Red Devils are willing to pay €100 million to secure their services.
Frenkie de Jong has been with Barcelona for almost three years now, arriving from AFC Ajax in 2019. The midfielder has been a mainstay in the side for the Blaugrana even though he has, at times, lacked consistency and has failed to show up in big games on occasions.
So, even though Xavi Hernandez insists that the Dutchman has a critical role in his plans, Barcelona are reportedly open to selling him should a big offer come in. And Manchester United have presented themselves as a suitor for the 24-year-old Netherlands international. With Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic on their way out, a new midfielder is the need of the hour at Old Trafford.
De Jong makes for the ideal target for Manchester United, considering that he has played under incoming manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax and enjoyed great success.
As for Depay, the 28-year-old forward signed for Barcelona only last summer, arriving on a free transfer after his contract with Olympique Lyon expired. The Dutchman made a lively start to life in Catalonia but has found game-time hard to come by in recent months due to fitness issues and increased competition for places.
Depay finds himself behind Ousmane Dembele, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati in the pecking order at Camp Nou. And, with the Blaugrana looking to sign another forward in the summer transfer window, his prospects of regular football will take a further hit.
Barcelona are thus open to selling the Netherlands international, considering that his contract expires in 2023. And Manchester United have emerged as an interested party for Depay, five years after selling him to Lyon. The 28-year-old had a forgettable stint at Old Trafford between the summer of 2015 and January 2017, managing just seven goals in 53 matches before rebuilding his career in France.
With Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Edinson Cavani set to depart at the end of the season and Marcus Rashford struggling to perform, Depay is seen as a transfer target to strengthen the Manchester United attack.
Given their financial situation, Barcelona are hoping to get sizable offers for the Dutch duo. And, as per the report, Manchester United are willing to pay as much as €100 million to sign Depay and de Jong from the Catalan giants. It remains to be seen if the figure mentioned is enough to convince Barcelona to part ways with the pair come summer.