Chelsea will reportedly compete with Manchester United in the race to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United will not be the only club looking to sign Frenkie de Jong in 2023. The Barcelona midfielder is also the subject of interest from Chelsea over a possible move next year.
Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in a big-money move three years ago and has endured a topsy-turvy ride since then. While the Dutch midfielder has been decent enough, he finds himself behind Gavi in the pecking order. His current predicament has come in the wake of Barcelona’s failed attempts to sell him in the summer.
The 25-year-old has featured in every game he has been available for. But de Jong has started only five times for Barcelona this season. And recent reports have claimed that he might consider his future if he does not become a regular anytime soon. Such a situation has captured the attention of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Manchester United unsuccessfully attempted to sign de Jong in the summer transfer window. But failing to bring the Barcelona midfielder to Old Trafford has not dampened Erik ten Hag’s spirit. And the Manchester United boss remains intent on reuniting with his compatriot in 2023.
Recent reports have claimed that the Red Devils are willing to fork out €80 million to sign de Jong. But Manchester United will have to fend off stiff competition from Chelsea to secure the services of the Barcelona midfielder next year.
Like Manchester United, Chelsea also tried to sign de Jong in the summer transfer window. But the 25-year-old only wanted to remain at Camp Nou, with or without Champions League football on offer. However, with his situation not improving, Chelsea might be an attractive destination amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.
The report also mentioned Liverpool as a potential destination for de Jong. But recent reports have claimed that the Reds will look at other targets instead of the Barcelona midfielder. It will be interesting to see if a Premier League adventure is on the cards for the player.
