Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, available for €80 million.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool are looking to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona at the end of the season. And the Reds will have to pay a fee of around €80 million to land the Dutch international.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window. But de Jong decided to continue at Barcelona and snub a move to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are still interested in the Dutch midfielder.
It appears that Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the Dutch midfielder, and he is looking to add more technique and craft to his midfield. De Jong is an excellent passer of the ball and will help Liverpool break the lines with his incisive passing. Furthermore, the Dutchman has a relentless work ethic and will contribute defensively as well.
The Barcelona midfielder has the ability to drive the team forward and could be the ideal partner for Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho. The likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner are past their peak, and Liverpool will need to replace them adequately at the end of the season.
Furthermore, players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will be free agents at the end of the season, and signing a top-class midfielder should be Liverpool’s top priority. Barcelona are prepared to sell the 25-year-old at the end of the season as they are looking to lower their wage bill.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are prepared to pay the €80 million asking price for the Dutch international midfielder this summer. Despite being made available for sale at the start of the season, de Jong has been quite impressive for Barcelona this season, and he has proven his quality by holding down a regular starting berth.
There is no doubt that the Dutchman has the quality to flourish in the Premier League as well, and a manager like Klopp could take him to a whole new level. However, it is fair to assume that Barcelona might have to lower their demands from the current €80 million for any transfer to Liverpool to go through.
