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1 month ago
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Frenkie de Jong’s situation at FC Barcelona has become increasingly concerning. The Dutch midfielder, once seen as a cornerstone of the club’s future, now finds himself at the centre of a growing dilemma.
Barcelona’s financial troubles, coupled with de Jong’s high salary, have created a difficult scenario for the Catalan giants. They are struggling to register new signings because of the wage bill, and de Jong’s hefty salary is a significant part of that problem.
From an outsider’s viewpoint, the solution might seem simple: sell de Jong and alleviate some of the financial burden. However, the reality is far more complicated.
Barcelona have plenty to worry about
De Jong, who is under contract until 2026, has shown little interest in leaving Barcelona before his deal runs out. Even more troubling for the club is his apparent reluctance to extend his contract beyond its current term.
This situation puts Barcelona in a tough spot. Ideally, they would like to keep de Jong, who is undeniably talented and has a lot to offer on the pitch. Yet, the financial constraints make his continued presence a burden in some ways.
The club’s inability to register new players due to his salary adds to the pressure, and it has become clear that something needs to change.
Best time for de Jong to join Man Utd
Amid this uncertainty, Manchester United have maintained a consistent interest in de Jong. The English club has been linked with the midfielder for several years now, and this summer is no different.
Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt have played more than 100 games together for Ajax. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Last year, despite the appeal of reuniting with his former manager Erik ten Hag at United, de Jong opted to stay at Barcelona. However, the current transfer window presents a new opportunity.
United have recently strengthened their squad by signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, two of de Jong’s former teammates. This could be a significant factor in de Jong’s decision-making process.
This is something that carries weight for all parties involved. For Barcelona, selling de Jong would free up much-needed space on the wage bill, allowing them to register new players and potentially strengthen the squad in other areas.
For de Jong, a move to United would mean joining a familiar environment, surrounded by former teammates and working under a manager who knows how to get the best out of him.
Manchester United, on the other hand, would finally secure a player they have been chasing for years, potentially putting an end to the transfer saga.
De Jong’s Ajax connection
De Jong has a strong connection with some of United’s current players. He has played 132 matches alongside de Ligt, with an impressive record of 92 wins and just 19 losses.
Erik Ten Hag got the best of Frenkie de Jong at Ajax. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
With Andre Onana and Mazraoui, de Jong has shared the pitch in 97 and 70 matches, respectively. These partnerships could be rekindled at United, offering the Dutch midfielder a sense of continuity and familiarity.
Under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, de Jong flourished. During the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons, he played 59 matches, contributing three goals and four assists.
His time at Ajax under ten Hag was marked by consistent performances, and it is no secret that the manager values de Jong’s abilities highly.
Given the current circumstances at both Barcelona and Manchester United, the timing for this transfer seems ideal. Yet, despite all the factors pointing towards a move, de Jong remains the one with the final say.
His decision will shape the future of his career and have significant implications for both clubs. Barcelona may hope for financial relief, while Manchester United will look to finally bring an end to this long-standing pursuit.
But until de Jong makes his choice, the situation remains in limbo, with the potential for a major shift in the coming weeks.
