Manchester United could reportedly revive their interest in signing Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong, as per TEAMtalk.
Following Casemiro’s departure as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee problem, the Red Devils decided to revamp the midfield department by purchasing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba this summer.
However, Santos has struggled to find regular game time under Michael Carrick, while Tielemans has displayed average performances thus far this season.
On the other hand, Baleba has just returned to full fitness after recovering from an ankle problem. United, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing start this season.
Now, TEAMtalk state that Man Utd are still exploring options to strengthen the midfield department and could revive their interest in De Jong if he becomes available next year.
Initially, Man Utd expressed their interest in the Dutchman back in 2022, but the player refused to leave Camp Nou. Apart from the Old Trafford club, Chelsea have also expressed their interest in him as they are keen to finally replace Enzo Fernández.
But neither United nor the Blues are prioritising signing De Jong, while the Barcelona midfielder might not leave in January due to his recent persistent fitness problems.
Battle
The report state that with Barcelona already having Rodrigo Hernandez, Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal and Dani Olmo, there are question marks over De Jong’s role in Hansi Flick’s starting line-up.
So, the Netherlands international’s future is currently uncertain at Camp Nou, with his existing deal set to run until 2029. He is valued at around £21m by Transfermarkt.
De Jong is a versatile midfielder as he can play in the box-to-box and deep-lying playmaker roles. Moreover, he previously played in the CB position. The 29-year-old has proven his worth at the highest level for club and country in recent years and is currently at the prime stage of his career.
Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd or Chelsea should either club purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Old Trafford club or the West London club eventually make a concrete approach to…
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