Man United ‘revive interest in Frenkie de Jong as Barcelona ‘reject £42.7m bid’ after failed summer-long pursuit to land Dutch star – but cash-strapped Catalans ARE willing to sell’
- The Barcelona midfielder could leave the club this summer
- Man United previously had a long-term interest in Frenkie de Jong
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Manchester United are reportedly once again interested in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong after an opening bid of £42.7million was rejected, but the LaLiga giants are willing to sell.
The Dutchman has long been admired by United manager Erik ten Hag, after the two previously worked together during their successful spell at Ajax.
De Jong missed Euro 2024 with the Netherlands due to an injury he sustained before the tournament. According to El National, the player is now for sale by the Catalan club.
Barcelona are desperately trying to raise money for new players as the cash-strapped club faces familiar problems signing new players as they have in other recent transfer windows.
This time, however, they are prepared to leave De Jong’s Nou Camp as new manager Hansi Flick continues to mould the team in his image since replacing Xavi at the end of last season.
Manchester United have renewed interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
The Dutchman has long been admired by United and may leave Barcelona
De Jong has long been admired by United manager Erik ten Hag (pictured) after the two previously worked together
The 27-year-old joined the LaLiga club in 2019 for an initial fee of £64million and has had an inconsistent spell for Barcelona, who have been plagued by off-field issues in recent years.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is keen to recoup as much of the initial investment as possible and has set an asking price of £60m for the midfielder, topped up by a further £8.5m in add-ons.
However, United’s new transfer department, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, may not be prepared to pay such a large sum as they look to cut back on spending incurred in previous years.
De Jong is also considered to be the highest earner at Barcelona, reportedly earning £30m per season, which could increase further if a move to the Premier League is agreed.
Barcelona have set an asking price of £60million for the midfielder, along with a further £8.5million in add-ons
De Jong had a difficult season last season at Barcelona, which was plagued by injuries
Meanwhile, United continue to negotiate midfielders, having already started talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal for Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte.
De Jong is believed to be another potential option and United could return with a second bid after Ten Hag previously identified him as a transfer priority when he took charge at Old Trafford.
Barcelona were unwilling to sign their star player at the time, as De Jong also wanted to stay in Spain. However, he is now potentially open to a move to United, after struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances last season.
De Jong played 213 games for Barcelona, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists, and won several major club awards during that period.
