Frenkie De Jong ‘closer to Barcelona exit than ever’ in huge boost for Man United, as cash-strapped club put Erik ten Hag’s top target – who he bid £70m for – up for sale… and he’s now open to leaving
- Manchester United came agonizingly close to signing the midfielder in 2022
- Ten Hag managed De Jong for two seasons at Ajax, where they won the double
- CHRIS SUTTON: Erik ten Hag is still on trial. He needs more than gradual improvement this season to keep his job It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Frenkie de Jong is closer than ever to leaving Barcelona as reports claim he has become dissatisfied with the current situation at the club.
The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in 2022 as his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag began building his squad after arriving at Old Trafford.
United eventually made a £70m bid for him and a deal was almost 90 per cent done. However, despite sending club representatives to Spain, United failed to formalize a deal, with De Jong admitting he wanted to stay in LaLiga.
Now, 18 months later, the Dutch international looks set to leave the Spanish club as they continue to disappoint both on and off the pitch.
According to Relevothe defensive midfielder situation will be completely different this summer, with there now a willingness from both the player and the club to part ways.
Frenkie De Jong is reportedly ready to call time on his Barcelona career after trying so hard to stay in 2022
Erik ten Hag was determined to sign the defensive midfielder when he joined the club in 2022
De Jong is reportedly disappointed with the club’s current position and believes expectations have not been met, especially when it comes to competing for the Champions League.
Barcelona are third in LaLiga, although there is no doubt their campaign has been subpar. Due to the poor results, Xavi announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
De Jong is not exempt from those failures on the field. He has made 15 league appearances this season but is far from the version of himself that sparked calls for his services in 2019.
The club’s serious financial problems also continue, with players like De Jong still receiving excellent wages that have been deferred after even tougher economic times.
All of this reportedly comes down to the club’s hierarchy’s willingness to cash in on a player who still has a high market value.
A summer move to United would ensure that De Jong finally reunites with his old Ajax boss. The pair worked together from 2017 to 2019, where they won the domestic double and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
Ten Hag is a big fan of De Jong after previously managing him at Ajax
Casemiro could leave Manchester United at the end of the season after struggling to achieve the form he showed in his debut season.
United’s interest in De Jong continued after their failed attempts in 2022, as they reiterated their desire to sign the midfielder last year. De Jong also reportedly told Ten Hag that he wanted to join the club.
After failing to sign De Jong, United spent £60 million to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid. The experienced midfielder played an integral role in the Red Devils’ squad last season as they claimed the Carabao Cup and secured a place in the top four.
But this season, Casemiro’s struggles for form and fitness have paved the way for his departure this summer. In December, Mail Sport revealed he was among the players former football director John Murtough discussed with Saudi Pro League representatives in Riyadh.
