Player ‘Willing to Leave’ Signals Change in Long-Term Transfer Stance for United Target
Frenkie de Jong, the talented midfielder from Barcelona, is reportedly considering his future at the club. This development has caught the attention of Manchester United and Arsenal, who have both been long-term admirers of the Dutch international. De Jong, who is 26 years old, was previously close to joining Manchester United in 2022 when his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag was at the helm.
The transfer saga between United and Barcelona saw the clubs agree on a fee that could have risen up to £73 million. However, De Jong decided to stay at Barcelona instead. Now, after five years at the Nou Camp, the midfielder may finally be ready to leave. Reports suggest that he has been left dissatisfied by Barcelona’s lack of ambition and silverware, with only one LaLiga and Copa del Rey title to his name.
Journalist Lluis Canut, who has a close relationship with De Jong’s entourage, revealed on Esport3’s ‘Onze’ show that the player is no longer closing the door on leaving Barcelona. Canut explained, “De Jong has not given the green light. But he is no longer closing the door on leaving Barca as he did two seasons ago when he had interest, especially from Manchester United, in going to play with the coach who had him at Ajax – Ten Hag. De Jong would be willing to leave Barca at the end of this season.”
There are doubts within Barcelona regarding De Jong’s future, and the club may look to sell him in order to boost their finances. This news has undoubtedly piqued the interest of Manchester United and Arsenal. Both clubs could benefit from adding a player of De Jong’s caliber to their midfield.
Arsenal, in particular, may be keen on signing De Jong as he previously expressed a desire to play for the Gunners. In 2019, before joining Barcelona, De Jong revealed his dream to play for Ajax, Arsenal, and then Barcelona. He stated, “In my mind I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route. But then again, if you can go directly to Barcelona, then you are right where you want to be. Faster than you ever dared to dream.”
With Arsenal in the market for a new central midfielder, De Jong could be an ideal addition to their squad. The Gunners could be looking to make a statement in the upcoming transfer window and secure the services of the 2019 Eredivisie champion.
In conclusion, Frenkie de Jong’s potential departure from Barcelona has put Manchester United and Arsenal on high alert. The Dutch midfielder’s dissatisfaction with Barcelona’s lack of ambition and silverware could lead him to seek a new challenge elsewhere. Both United and Arsenal have long admired De Jong’s talent and could make a move to secure his services in the upcoming transfer window. It remains to be seen where De Jong’s future lies, but one thing is certain – his availability has sparked a great deal of interest among top clubs in Europe.