Erik ten Hag and Manchester United could come up against one of their most high-profile transfer targets next season as Chelsea are reportedly planning a spectacular bid for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
During his tenure as Ajax manager, Ten Hag had a strong rapport with De Jong, so much so that he pressed Man Utd to try and sign him in the summer of 2022.
The Netherlands star refused to leave the Camp Nou, even if the Red Devils and Barca were able to come to a deal in the end.
Rather, Manchester United proceeded to invest an initial £60 million, along with a further £10 million in possible add-ons, on Casemiro of Real Madrid.
Ten Hag, who was disappointed not to see De Jong signed, is still a big supporter of the 26-year-old and would be thrilled if Sir Jim Ratcliffe approved a new bid for him this summer. Man Utd, though, are quite likely to lose out on the deal.
According to the report, Todd Boehly, the co-owner of the Blues, is willing to “pay a lot of money” for De Jong, making Chelsea the Premier League team that is working hardest to finalise a deal with Barcelona.
The playmaker has not agreed to initiate negotiations with Barca to extend his contract past 2026. Because of this, if a massive €100 million (£85 million) deal comes in this summer, the Spanish giants are willing to sell.
If United can somehow still manager to sign de Jong, he would prove to be perfect for the team. The bridge between attack and defense that United need right now, de Jong perfectly fits that profile.
