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Manchester United is once again targeting FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with Erik ten Hag eager to bolster his squad in the upcoming January transfer window.
Ten Hag, who has long identified De Jong as a priority signing, believes the Dutch international could be the key to transforming United’s midfield, which has struggled at times this season.
This renewed interest comes after a protracted transfer saga in the summer of 2022 when United made several attempts to lure De Jong to Old Trafford.
Despite persistent efforts, including financial incentives and the promise of a starring role, De Jong ultimately chose to remain at Barcelona.
His decision was a significant blow to United, especially after months of speculation and intense fan interest in the potential signing.
However, financial pressures at Barcelona may have shifted the landscape.
The Catalan giants have faced ongoing economic struggles, and De Jong’s high salary, combined with his contract running until 2026, keeps the door open for a possible transfer.
Should the right offer emerge, Barcelona could be willing to negotiate a deal, mainly if it alleviates some of their financial burden.
According to Fichajes.net, the proposed transfer fee for De Jong is estimated at around €60-70 million, a significant investment that United appears ready to make.
Ten Hag, who previously managed De Jong at Ajax, is confident that reuniting with the 27-year-old would add quality to United’s midfield and shift the momentum of their season.
While De Jong has recently faced injury setbacks, his talent and vision remain undeniable, and United views him as a pivotal figure in their quest to reestablish domestic and European dominance.
Whether this latest pursuit will finally succeed where previous efforts failed remains to be seen, but it’s clear that United is not ready to give up on landing one of Ten Hag’s top targets.