Manchester United makes Frenkie De Jong January transfer decision after bench role ahead of the World Cup.
A large part of the summer window was dominated by the headlines revolving around Manchester United and their pursuit of Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong.
The 25-year-old midfielder had emerged as the top target for the Red Devils upon the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new manager. The Dutch tactician had worked with de Jong at AFC Ajax and was keen on a reunion.
However, de Jong dug his heels and refused to leave even though Barça had reached an €85 million agreement with the Premier League giants, as he wanted to succeed at Spotify Camp Nou and continue playing in the UEFA Champions League.
However, this season has not been good for the former Ajax ace, who has lost his starting position to Gavi.
De Jong has primarily been utilized when Xavi wants to rest any of his starters, and is actually behind Pedri, Gavi, and Sergio Busquets in the pecking order. De Jong now feels “disgusted” with his circumstances at Barcelona as a result.
SPORT has reported that Manchester United is prepared to take advantage of the situation by offering the Netherlands international a way out of Camp Nou in January.
Even if Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were two midfielders the Red Devils signed in the summer, the article claims that ten Hag believes de Jong can be the right foundation for his project at Old Trafford.
Given that Barcelona is about to lose the Champions League and that he is not a key member of Xavi’s team, United is confident that they can persuade the midfielder to switch teams in the middle of the season.
Although his salaries are burdening them, Barcelona is not actively exploring selling him since they still think he is a valuable player. However, if the player requests a move, then something might happen.
De Jong, on the other hand, is content to simply play frequently and believes that following the disaster against Inter Milan, he may be given a shot in the starting XI. Before leaving for the World Cup, the midfielder hopes to reclaim his starting position.
But Xavi might have to think about his future in January if he sticks with his favourite trio this weekend in the Clasico. However, there is a perception that both sides may decide to postpone their decision until the summer, when other teams may express interest.
De Jong’s management is still in touch with Manchester United and is now well aware of their interest, nevertheless.
