Frenkie de Jong is back on the agenda in the Premier League, with three giants set to wrestle for the Netherlands international following Manchester United’s lengthy pursuit of the Barcelona star.
Barca are reportedly open to the transfer of the 27-year-old star for the correct price, with three of England’s leading clubs monitoring the situation.
De Jong had been a major target for previous manager Erik ten Hag when he first arrived at the club, yet a lengthy pursuit of the player in the summer of 2022, the classy midfielder came up dry. Much of that owed to the star being unwilling to give up his sizeable Barcelona salary.
Indeed, it is the playmaker’s large contract that could entice Barca to finally sell him. The club’s financial problems have only been partially resolved, with their issues planting a seed of doubt into the mind of Jonathan Tah, who had been expected to arrive as a free agent. He may complete a U-turn and instead sign for Man Utd or even Real Madrid as a free agent.
Liverpool to test Barcelona’s resolve
Liverpool appear prepared to move first for De Jong. It is claimed that the Reds are readying a €40 million bid for the player who has a contract until 2026.
While the Reds’ bid would exceed the player’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €37.2m, it would be less than half of what the Blaugrana once paid Ajax to sign the player.
Given that De Jong is seen as a key cog in Hansi Flick’s side, it would be very surprising if Barcelona decided to part with the Dutchman at this price, despite the financial problems that currently dog the club.
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While Real Madrid may wish a sale, it may be difficult to manufacture given his large wages and chronic physical unreliability over the course of the last 18 months. Alaba would certainly represent a major gamble for any buying club.
