Frenkie de Jong &#8211; CaughtOffside

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Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona

Can Man United sign Frenkie de Jong?

Although they failed to get it over the line in the past, Manchester United have retained their interest but the asking price of more than €60 million could be a problem for the English giants who have already made a few signings and are on the verge of signing a few more players in the coming days.

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Man United approach Erik ten Hag’s top target from summer 2022 over £40m move

Darren Looney — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:07:45 +0000

Man United have approached Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong to gauge the player’s interest in a summer transfer to Old Trafford having made moves to sign the Dutch star back in 2022.

The midfielder was Erik ten Hag’s top target during his first summer at the Manchester club back in 2022 and the Red Devils went all out to get the player for their new boss.

Man United agreed to pay Barcelona a guaranteed €75m plus add-ons worth up to €10m for De Jong, however, the Dutch talent opted to remain with the Catalan club and the Red Devils went on to sign Casemiro instead.

The Brazilian proved during the 2023/24 campaign that he is well past his best and Ten Hag needs a new midfielder heading into the upcoming season.

PSG’s Manuel Ugarte is Man United’s top target for the role with personal terms having already been agreed as talks between both clubs continue over a deal.

Should that transfer fail to materialise, Michael Plant reports that the Manchester club have made another approach to sign De Jong from Barcelona to enquire about what it would take to get a deal done this summer.

Nothing is advanced or concrete with the Netherlands international but it is believed that United would be willing to do a deal for around £30m/£40M.

Frenkie de Jong to Man United?

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Is Frenkie de Jong to Man United a possibility?

Barcelona continue to struggle with financial issues and having just completed a €62m deal with RB Leipzig for Dani Olmo, the Catalan club may be open to selling De Jong to help balance the books.

The 27-year-old is also out of contract with the La Liga giants in 2026, which means this summer would be one of the best periods to sell the midfielder if a new deal is not coming his way. In addition to this, De Jong is earning a massive €72k per week with Barcelona and the Spanish giants would undoubtedly like to get this large payment off of their books.

There are a lot of reasons that make a deal for De Jong possible this summer, but it remains to be seen if Man United make an official approach to sign the Barcelona midfielder.

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Man United get green light to complete transfer of Erik ten Hag’s midfield target

Ahad Shaukat — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:03:40 +0000

Manchester United have strengthened their attack and defense so far this summer.

The Red Devils have now turned their attention towards signing a new midfielder as they look to address more issues facing their squad.

The signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have built excitement among the fans, however, the latter’s long term injury has changed the mood around the club.

Man United have been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte but the Premier League giants have been unable to make progress in their pursuit of the Uruguayan midfielder.

Now, there is a possibility that Man United could get their hands on a long term transfer target, who has history with manager Erik ten Hag.

According to TEAMtalk, citing reports in Spain, Barcelona are prepared to let midfielder Frenkie De Jong leave the club.

The former Ajax man has been linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since ten Hag became the manager of the Red Devils.

Man United get green light to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

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Under the leadership of the Dutch manager, the midfielder performed at a top level and helped Ajax qualify for the Champions League semifinal in 2019.

Despite being linked with Man United on several occasions, the player has had no intention to move away from Camp Nou.

However, latest report has suggested that the Catalans are ready to sanction his exit and they have given the green light to Man United to make a move for him.

The Premier League club offered Antony in exchange for the Dutch international midfielder but Barcelona have rejected that offer from the Red Devils.

Man United can sign Frenkie De Jong in a cut-price deal

De Jong could be available in a bargain move for Man United with the La Liga giants willing to sell him for as little as £34 million.

If Man United can get this deal done, it would be a bargain signing for someone of the quality of De Jong.

It sounds too good to be true but Barcelona are desperate to get the player off their wage bill this summer and they are happy to accept a cut-price offer for him.

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Ronald Koeman fires incredible broadside at previous employers Barcelona

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:49:27 +0000

Ronald Koeman was a legendary player for Barcelona during the Dream Team era in the 1990s, scoring the goal at Wembley that brought the Catalan giants their first European Cup.

Know for his attacking prowess as much as for his defensive attributes, he was a real fan favourite amongst those who used to regularly attend matches at Camp Nou.

Ronald Koeman isn’t happy with Barcelona

He didn’t fare so well as first-team manager before Xavi Hernandez was appointed, however, there were various extenuating circumstances that the Dutchman could point to as being mitigating factors as to why he was unable to get the best out of his Barca team.

The Blaugranes are still trying to lift themselves up off the floor like a punch drunk boxer, though the final bell hasn’t sounded yet, no one is throwing in the towel and they’re still hanging in there.

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Koeman, for his part, was moved aside at Barca in November 2021, eventually going back into his former position as head coach for the Netherlands national side in January 2023.

The 61-year-old has led the side into the 2024 European Championship, however, he’s issued a stinging broadside to his former employers over their treatment of midfield ace, Frenkie de Jong, who has had to be sent home from the Dutch training camp because of injury.

?? Ronald Koeman on Frenkie de Jong injury: "He was not gonna be ready in three weeks, unfortunately".

"Frenkie has a history with this injury so we have to think about his health. The club over there decided to take risks and this is the price we have to pay for it". pic.twitter.com/hOLAKUQnSM

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2024

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) from CaughtOffside columnist and transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Koeman said “He was not gonna be ready in three weeks, unfortunately. Frenkie has a history with this injury so we have to think about his health. The club over there decided to take risks and this is the price we have to pay for it.”

His ire is completely understandable given that de Jong might have been expected to be one of the most influential players in Germany for the Oranje.

The question for Barcelona now, given this apparent setback, is whether de Jong will actually be able to take his place at the heart of the midfield in Hansi Flick’s first pre-season game and then first La Liga game shortly thereafter.

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Shock for Barcelona as major star with 54 international caps ruled out of the Euros with injury

Jason Pettigrove — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 04:06:41 +0000

Next season is set to be a crucial one for Hansi Flick and his staff at Barcelona, but he’ll need all of his best players fit and firing on all cylinders from the get-go if he’s to have any chance of succeeding.

The Catalans are coming off the back of what has turned out to be an awful campaign, and the German coach has a huge job on his hands to get the team back to the summit of the Spanish top-flight and to the top table of European football.

Under Xavi Hernandez, there was very much a feeling of so near and yet so far, and for all of his status as a legendary player at the club, he was found wanting on a number of occasions as a manager.

Perhaps president, Joan Laporta, should’ve taken more of a look at his resume before trying to construct a ‘Guardiola MK II’ type scenario.

After all, Xavi had only managed Qatar Stars League side, Al Sadd, before being parachuted into one of the biggest managerial jobs in world football.

Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong is out of the Euros

Fortunately for Hansi Flick, he at least has the kudos of being the manager of Bayern Munich and the German national team, even if his time with Die Mannschaft wasn’t the best.

He’ll get to work with his players upon the conclusion of the European Championship, but one that he may have to treat with kid gloves, at least initially, is Dutchman, Frenkie de Jong.

The brilliant midfielder was ruled out of action towards the back end of the 2023/24 season but was thought to be coming back to full fitness in time to represent his country at the Euros.

? BREAKING: Frenkie de Jong will miss Euro 2024 as he returns to Barcelona due to physical conditions.

Frenkie can’t force after his injury as there is danger to make it even more serious ???

De Jong, sad as he wanted to help Netherlands… but only way was to leave the team. pic.twitter.com/9CKe5cnwWp

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2024

However, as Fabrizio Romano reported overnight, de Jong, a player with 54 international caps according to BBC Sport, has withdrawn from the squad after not being able to prove his fitness.

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Exclusive: Arsenal likely to have considered Barca star who’d be “absolutely perfect” signing, says expert

Mark Brus — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:31:26 +0000

Arsenal are likely to have considered a potential transfer deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Gunners journalist Charles Watts.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Watts discussed De Jong as a potential alternative to Martin Zubimendi as an Arsenal target in midfield, describing the Netherlands international as someone who could be absolutely perfect for Mikel Arteta’s style of play.

Still, Watts also added that he’s unsure there’s anything genuinely happening with Arsenal and De Jong, while he also made it clear that the 27-year-old’s wages would probably be difficult for the north London giants to afford, whilst also meaning the player himself would not be desperate to leave the Nou Camp.

De Jong transfer: Barca midfielder would be perfect for Arsenal, says Watts

“Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi has always been slightly clouded by the fact it is well known that the midfielder is in no real rush to leave Real Sociedad,” Watts said.

Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona

“He’s happy there and he feels at home, as his manager, Imanol Alguacil, recently stated. That’s not to say that he will not leave if someone triggers his release clause this summer, but clubs who are looking at him are well aware that he might take some convincing.

“So of course Arsenal have other targets when it comes to the midfield. Interest in Bruno Guimaraes has emerged, another player who has a release clause, while several other names have been linked. One of those is Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, who I think would be absolutely perfect for this Arsenal team.

“You couldn’t really find anyone better suited to come in and help take this team to another level. Mikel Arteta could play him at the base of the midfield, just behind Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, but you could see him rotating with Rice at times, sometimes playing in a more advanced role, with Rice dropping in behind him. It just feels like it would work perfectly and that De Jong would be the ideal long-term replacement for Thomas Partey.

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“But whilst I’m sure Arsenal would have considered De Jong while looking around at potential new midfielders, his wages would make any move very difficult to get over the line. We know he’s on big, big money in Spain and he’s shown before that he is in no hurry to walk away from that contract he has with Barcelona.

“It’s not a potential transfer I’ve really heard anything about at this stage and I would suggest it’s one that is unlikely to move beyond the speculation stage, even if I personally would love to see it happen.”

Arsenal may have to look at alternatives to De Jong and Zubimendi in that case, and it will be interesting to see what names they come up with in the weeks and months ahead.

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Man United and Barcelona in talks over sensational swap deal

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 11 May 2024 20:57:59 +0000

Man United and Barcelona are two of the most storied clubs in European football and each time they meet, fireworks are guaranteed.

The Premier League outfit were victorious in their most recent meeting, though the Catalans can point to two recent Champions League final wins over the Red Devils (2009, 2011) as giving them the upper hand.

Both clubs also have outstanding players that run their midfields. For United, captain, Bruno Fernandes is the fulcrum, whilst Barcelona can count upon the industry and excellence of Frenkie de Jong.

Sensational Fernandes/De Jong swap deal mooted

The Dutchman appears to have long been admired by his old Ajax manager and current Man United manager, Erik ten Hag.

He appeared to admit in a recent press conference that he would’ve loved to have de Jong in Manchester, though it’s not clear just how much the player himself would consider swapping Catalonia for a wet and windy Manchester.

Fernandes was expected to be a mainstay of the United XI for years to come, but recent poor performances have seen that questioned.

The player himself, in a recent interview with DAZN, some of which was cited on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of CaughtOffside columnist, Fabrizio Romano, noted that if he had to think about leaving, he wouldn’t do so until after the European Championship.

? Bruno Fernandes: "My future? At the moment, I feel both me and the club want to continue together".

"I’m not thinking about the future. If you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not staying, it won’t be until after the FA Cup final and the Euros", told DAZN. pic.twitter.com/NE5MZ8JvX4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 1, 2024

That’s as good a ‘come and get me’ plea as you’ll ever hear.

Fichajes note that both Man United and Barcelona are in serious talks regarding a swap deal for both players as this would help United not needing to fork out so much money in terms of transfer spend.

It potentially gives Barca fans something to get excited about this summer too.

Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva could all be wearing the Blaugrana next season. If Barca can add another Portuguese alongside his three countrymen, they will have some squad next season.

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Arsenal looking to partner Declan Rice with €80m-rated La Liga star

Saikat Chatterjee — Sat, 11 May 2024 06:31:29 +0000

Arsenal are interested in signing the Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in European football and they are keen on securing his services according to Fichajes.

The midfielder is reportedly valued at €80 million and Arsenal want him to partner Declan Rice at the heart of the midfield. De Jong is exceptional when it comes to controlling the tempo of the game. He will add technical ability, creativity, and composure to the side.

Thomas Partey has had his fair share of injury problems this season and he will need to be replaced in the near future. Jorginho is past his peak as well.

Signing a central midfielder should be one of Arsenal’s priorities heading into the summer transfer window and the Dutch international midfielder would be a quality acquisition. He is a proven performer at the highest level and he has the ability to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

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Frenkie de Jong could leave Barcelona in the summer.

Arsenal could use someone like Frenkie De Jong

Arsenal have put together an excellent squad but they will need to improve if they want to compete with the likes of Manchester City on a regular basis. Someone like De Jong could transform them in the midfield and help them push for major trophies consistently.

It will be interesting to see if the player is open to a move to the North London club. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past as well.

Barcelona are going through financial difficulties and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they decide to cash in on the Dutch international if a substantial offer is presented. Arsenal have the financial muscle to tempt the Spanish club into selling the player. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.

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Erik ten Hag gets green light to sign long term Man United target

Ahad Shaukat — Fri, 10 May 2024 07:23:45 +0000

Manchester United have received a major boost in their pursuit of long term target Frenkie de Jong.

The Barcelona midfielder played under current Man United manager at Ajax.

Since joining Man United, Erik ten Hag has been looking to bring the Dutch midfielder to Old Trafford but he has failed in his chase for his former midfielder.

The Red Devils could now finally sign their top midfield target this summer.

As many as 17 Barcelona players are reportedly on Xavi’s transfer list for the next window as he looks to restructure his squad, according to El Desmarque, as reported by Fichajes.

De Jong, Ten Hag’s first primary target at Man United, is one of the players that might depart from the Catalan team.

After the billionaire acquired a minority stake in the club earlier this year, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group assumed control of the football operations.

Frenkie de Jong has long been a target for Man United

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This summer’s transfer window will mark that transition and will be the club’s first under the new leadership.

Ratcliffe is determined to get it right at his boyhood club after their struggles on and off the pitch.

A new CEO and technical director has been installed at the club and a new sporting director might arrive soon in a major overhaul.

In terms of transfer targets, they have reportedly identified Michael Olise and Jarrad Branthwaite, both talented young players who have enjoyed individual success this season.

De Jong would be an ideal signing for Man United

Adding De Jong to the team would be a dream come true for Ten Hag, who managed the Holland international to great success during their time together at Ajax.

With Man United looking likely to lose Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat this summer, signing De Jong would be a wise move.

The Barcelona midfielder is one of the best players in the world in his position and his creativity and passing quality is just what the Man United midfield needs.

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Erik ten Hag confirms he wanted to bring €85m star to Man United in 2022

Darren Looney — Fri, 03 May 2024 18:57:39 +0000

Man United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that he wanted Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong to join him at Old Trafford ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The former Ajax boss was preparing for his first season in the Premier League and the Barca midfielder was his primary target to help take United back to the top of the English game.

The Manchester club were prepared to deliver their new manager his man and even agreed a €85m fee with the Catalan club for the transfer of the Dutch star. However, Man United failed to convince the Netherlands international to move to Old Trafford as the 26-year-old wanted to stay at Barcelona for many more years.

Almost two years later, Ten Hag has now confirmed that he wanted De Jong to join Man United in 2022 and planned to use him beside Casemiro.

“Yes, it would have been De Jong and Casemiro playing and complementing each other,” the Man United boss has said via Fabrizio Romano.

“But in the last decade and in this period, we couldn’t always get the players we wanted. You have to accept that.”

Man United wanted Frenkie de Jong in 2022

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