Frenkie says he’d sign new six-year deal at Barcelona
UNITED target Frenkie de Jong has previously admitted that he would put pen to paper on a ‘six-year contract’ if offered one by Barcelona.
The Netherlands international has emerged as a target for United ahead of this forthcoming summer’s transfer window and the Manchester Evening News understands that the club is weighing up a £75million move for his signature.
De Jong worked with incoming Reds boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax, meaning he is no stranger to the soon-to-be United manager.
United are in desperate need of strengthening their midfield options this summer after a wretched 2021/22 campaign, particularly the defensive side of the midfield operation.
The club is understood to be already working on a deal to sign Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United.
In De Jong, however, United would, if they secured his signature, inherit a midfielder that is a little more adventurous than a defensivemidfielder, as he is renowned for looking to getting on the ball and making things happen.
He has scored four goals and claimed five assists in 45 appearances this term.
Although his time at the Camp Nou has been up and down since he joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, interest in his services has never been too far away.
As recently as March, the midfielder was attracting reported interest from German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
In response to those rumours, De Jong, who turned 25 on Thursday, mapped out his fondness for Barcelona, outlining just how much he adores the club.
He admitted that he would sign a long-term deal if it was presented to
him. “I love being at Barcelona,” De Jong told Ziggo Sport in a recent interview.
“I’d probably sign a six-year contract extension if they’d propose me, yes.
“Something happening with FC Bayern? No, no. I am so happy at Barcelona and I would love to play here for as long as possible.”
Now, of course, it is United expressing an interest in his services.
The prospect of being reunited with Ten Hag at Old Trafford could be the club’s best chance of signing him this summer, with the Reds unable to match Barcelona’s offer of Champions League football for next season.
De Jong thrived under Ten Hag’s management at Ajax and United supporters would hope for similar results in M16. Since joining Barcelona, De Jong has made 138 appearances, netting 13 goals and claiming 17 assists.