It is breaking news that the addition of these two players, who have such incredible synergy with one another, would further strengthen our midfield.Signing him is going to undoubtedly entice Frankie de Jong, and the two of them would do wonders for us if they were to collaborate. – Frankie de Jong and an incredible midfielder are known to be the “best friends in football,” and Manchester United is preparing a double offer for both of them. Erik ten Hag is attempting to engineer a reunion between the “best friends in football.” Just the kind of news that we require during this summer 😳💯… We are in need of both of them, and we require them as soon as possible.
Erik ten Hag has persistently pursued Frenkie de Jong since becoming Manchester United’s manager before the 2022/23 season. Having previously coached De Jong at Ajax, Ten Hag sought to bring him to Manchester, but De Jong chose to stay at Barcelona, unconvinced by United’s project and deterred by their Europa League status. Ironically, Manchester United eliminated Barcelona from the Europa League that season after the Catalan club failed to progress in the Champions League.
Following unsuccessful efforts to sign De Jong, Manchester United shifted their focus to Casemiro, acquiring him from Real Madrid for over £60 million. Although Barcelona had accepted a bid from United for De Jong in 2022, giving the English club false hope, the deal didn’t materialize.
As the 2024 summer transfer window approaches, Ten Hag plans another attempt to sign De Jong, potentially aided by reports suggesting Barcelona president Joan Laporta is now willing to sell the 27-year-old for as little as €60 million (£51 million), down from the previous €85 million valuation.
De Jong’s future at Barcelona is uncertain, as Laporta seeks to lower the club’s wage bill and the player is unwilling to accept a salary reduction. This situation has rekindled Manchester United’s interest, with Ten Hag actively trying to persuade De Jong to join the Premier League side.
Another element in United’s favor is their interest in Matthijs de Ligt. Rumors indicate that De Ligt, De Jong’s best friend and current Bayern Munich player, might move to Manchester United this summer. Their close friendship could influence De Jong’s decision, potentially reuniting the duo under Ten Hag’s management nearly seven years after their successful stint at Ajax, where they reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2017/18.
With two years remaining on his Barcelona contract, De Jong might be tempted by the prospect of playing alongside De Ligt and reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford. Given Barcelona’s financial constraints and Manchester United’s strategic persistence, De Jong’s transfer to Manchester could finally come to fruition this summer.
