Manchester United pursue Frenkie de Jong

Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong is being linked with a move to Manchester United from Barcelona.

The Dutchman, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, has been closely linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last few days following Erik ten Hag’s appointment as manager. De Jong worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, and the former played a crucial role in his development.

It was De Jong’s performances under Ten Hag that attracted interest from Barcelona. The central midfielder played a vital role in the Champions League success Ajax enjoyed in 2018/19, which saw them reach the semi-finals, and he was immediately tipped to flourish at the very top.

However, De Jong’s career at Camp Nou has struggled to get off the ground. He has made 136 appearances for the Spanish giants and scored 13 goals, and registered 17 assists.

Having struggled to make his mark in La Liga, De Jong has been linked with an exit from the club for several months, with reports now suggesting that United could move for his services ahead of next season because of his past experience of working with Ten Hag.

Is de Jong dissatisfied with his role?

De Jong’s future at Barcelona has come under the scanner amidst suggestions that he could be on his way to England.

 Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has asked the club to set up pursuit of a player who developed under him at Ajax.

Barcelona has publicly said they do not want to sell the Dutchman, but all is not well behind the scenes between the club and the player.

According to Spanish media, De Jong is not happy with the role at Barcelona and wants more playing time on the pitch.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has openly praised him, but the midfielder has only finished seven of their last 27 games in all competitions.

 In half of those games, he was taken off before completing the 90 minutes, and that has annoyed the player.

The Dutchman has not ruled out leaving Barcelona if the right offer is made for him in the summer. Barcelona are also reportedly prepared to cash in on him if they receive a fee in the region of 70m euros for him.

However, De Jong’s father has previously suggested that the English climate could put the midfielder off a move to the Premier League.

“It’s often bad weather there,” De Jong Senior previously said. “Of course, it’s about football, but it does matter.

“Of course I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. Although, the five top European clubs have all called.”