Manchester United fans are eager for news on Frenkie de Jong.
Some fans are understandably cautious about a deal because they’re unsure if the Netherlands international would be joining the club for the right reasons, but maybe Erik ten Hag can play a bigger role than most of us can imagine is possible, by getting a deal over the line.
Other fans are buzzing at the prospect of signing a world class midfielder, even though it’s not the defensive midfielder United have spent years crying out for.
Simon Stone covers United for BBC Sport and his updates always carry weight.
While claiming De Jong is known to be top of the priority list for United this summer, the club has stressed that they won’t be held to ransom by Barcelona, who could look to cash in on the midfield ace to raise funds for their own transfer business.
There are still question marks over whether De Jong would want to join a club that is not in the Champions League next season.
Since leaving Ajax in 2019, De Jong has made 140 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals. Xavi has made it clear that it won’t be his decision if Barcelona decide to sell the 25-year-old this summer.
United are right to warn Barcelona in advance that they won’t be played into paying a ridiculous fee for De Jong. The board needs to be smart this summer and we’ve seen big clubs sign excellent players on the cheap in recent years.
Hopefully our scouts have done their homework if United need a Plan B.
Let us know in the comments section if you think De Jong is the right fit for United?
