Manchester United are eyeing the addition of a world-class midfielder this summer and will look to Frenkie de Jong again depending on Jude Bellingham’s choice of club.
According to The Independent, the Reds will prioritise signing a midfielder once the summer transfer window opens and their choice depends on where sought-after talent Jude Bellingham ends up.
United pursued a seemingly uninterested De Jong over the summer before the Dutchman ultimately decided to stay at Barcelona. He named the Spanish side his dream club and was keen to continue playing in the Champions League, which was not an option at United this season.
Frenkie de Jong tells ESPN: “I prefer to stay at Barça. I said this before, Barcelona is the club of my dreams”. 🚨🇳🇱 #FCB
“Contact with other clubs? I don't want to talk about rumors anymore. I feel good at Barcelona. There is no agreement and nothing official”.@TheEuropeanLad pic.twitter.com/A2LcM9iRk3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 31, 2022
The 25-year-old has, however, fallen out of favour under Xavi and is currently struggling to cement a place in the starting eleven. Whilst De Jong’s preferred position is in midfield, the Barca manager is looking to utilise the playmaker in central defence, which may force De Jong to consider a move away from Spain. A reunion with former coach Erik ten Hag in a revitalised United side may appear more attractive to De Jong now than it has in recent months.
On the other hand, United remain keen on signing Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham, who continues to impress with every game that passes. The Reds will face competition from Liverpool and Manchester City in England, with European champions Real Madrid showing interest from abroad.
Jude Bellingham is one of a kind 💫 pic.twitter.com/vQn2qa51zb
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 6, 2022
If the 19-year-old prefers a move to his homeland, the Red Devils will have to assure the youngster that he will play a key role in Ten Hag’s plans, as this was what made Bellingham opt for a move to the Bundesliga side over United when they first approached him in 2020.
Also, Liverpool’s recent drop in form compared to United’s boost of morale and results may set them above the Merseyside team in Bellingham’s valuations.
Manchester United need to prioritise Bellingham over De Jong:
Realistically, the Englishman provides a more exciting and long-term option in midfield over the likes of De Jong. Bellingham is now an established England international; he played a key role in their Euro 2020 campaign and is likely to receive a call-up for the World Cup in November.
He has displayed remarkable talent on the highest stage in European football – the Champions League, more recently scoring against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Bellingham has also shown authoritative attributes on the pitch and has donned the captain’s armband for Dortmund in recent matches.
Jude Bellingham is now the youngest captain to ever score in a UEFA Champions League match 👶🌟 pic.twitter.com/1WflnMyZ5r
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 5, 2022
Let us know in the comments section if you would prefer De Jong or Bellingham?
Manchester United need to prioritise Bellingham over De Jong!
1st of all: Bellingham is twice as good as de Jong is, 2nd – OMG !
Why would MU insist on bringing in a player, wo doesn’t want to play for MU????? Is Then Hag and the Board collectively so dumb
or do they make special effort in this case?