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| Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Belgium and Netherlands at the King Baudouin Stadium on June 3, 2022 in Brussels, Belgium. |
Manchester United have seemingly been
handed fresh hope in their chase of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong,
after he admitted that his role for the Holland national team suits him more
than in club action.
De Jong, 25, is a priority target
for new United boss Erik ten Hag this summer as he looks
to strengthen the spine of his team, but he faces an battle to sign him, with the
silky performer having insisted he is already at his ‘dream’ side.
However, his comments after his country’s 4-1 victory
over Belgium, a game in which he delivered an eye-catching performance, may
hand the Red Devils the impetus.
Speaking to NOS post-match, De Jong opened up on his preferred style
of play.
‘I like to be the first player to receive the ball from
the defenders. In the national team I play differently compared to Barca. And I
think this one fits me better,’ he said.He was also quizzed on whether the goal with Holland is
to get on the ball ‘as much as possible’ during games, to which he responded
with: ‘Yeah, sure.’
His remarks could put his potential suitors on red alert,
and hint that his future lies away from the Nou Camp. PSG have also reportedly
joined the race to sign him.
But United are said to
have ramped up their efforts to lure him to Old Trafford and reunite him with
his former Ajax coach. Barcelona need to cut costs as a result of their dire
financial situation, which is preventing them from splashing the cash.
Therefore, Xavi is
understood to be prepared the let the midfielder leave.
De Jong, however, has told ESPN: ‘I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my
dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too.‘I’ve never regretted my choice despite the fact that I
had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I’ve achieved so far. But I have
never regretted my choice.’
It is believed United
may have to spend around £65million to snap up De Jong, and the deal may
benefit every party with the Blaugrana then able to sign a replacement.
The former Ajax
youngster starred under Ten Hag between 2016 and 2019.
This season, he made 47 appearances in all competitions,
and scored four goals.
At United, Paul Pogba
and Jesse Lingard will leave on free transfers this month when their contracts
expire, leaving the club short of options in midfield.
There are question marks
over both Fred and Scott McTominay, and bringing in a new central player in
that area will be key to Ten Hag’s attempts to win trophies.
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