Manchester United prioritising Frenkie de Jong move

Manchester United will reportedly prioritise a summer move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whose market value is €50 million.

According to a report by talkSPORT, Erik ten Hag views Frenkie de Jong as his top target for the summer transfer window. The Barcelona midfielder’s market value is around €50 million. And the 25-year-old is warming up to the idea of moving to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Frenkie de Jong has been one of the most reliable performers for Barcelona since arriving from Ajax in July 2019. The Dutchman was already among the most promising midfielders in the world at the time. And his stock has risen considerably in the last three and a half years, despite the shenanigans of last summer.

Barcelona wanted to part ways with de Jong amid the never-ending financial distress. And with Manchester United keenly pursuing the 25-year-old, a deal seemed possible last summer. But the player remained steadfast in his desire to remain at Spotify Camp Nou. And after initially being a backup player, he has become a pivotal figure for Xavi Hernandez.

The Dutch midfielder has turned out 31 times across all competitions thus far this season. Plus, while his market value has fallen to €50 million, he remains a sought-after figure in the market. And de Jong remains a top target for Manchester United heading into the summer transfer window.

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Erik ten Hag is masterminding a summer move for de Jong, with his compatriot the priority target for Manchester United. And the Dutch tactician’s eagerness to reunite with the 25-year-old is understandable. That is because while Casemiro has fortified the Manchester United midfield, the Red Devils need a top-class partner for him.

Despite Christian Eriksen’s brilliant displays for Manchester United, the Danish international is not a long-term solution. In addition, the former Tottenham midfielder does not have the endurance to last ninety minutes in games during a long season. And the Barcelona star’s qualities make him the ideal foil for Casemiro.

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Meanwhile, the report claims that de Jong is warming up to the idea of joining Manchester United. That is because the prospect of playing alongside Casemiro appeals to the Barcelona midfielder. But it is unclear how much Manchester United will need to pay for him, following the drop in his market value to €50 million.