Manchester United are particularly interested in signing Frenkie de Jong, who could pursue a new challenge when he leaves Barcelona at the end of the season.
The Red Devils once identified De Jong as their priority midfield target in the summer of 2022. An agreement was reached with the Blaugrana but the midfielder refused to negotiate terms.
Man United coach Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with the former Ajax star, but the 26-year-old is still determined to stay at the Catalan club.
Speaking on Onze Tv3, journalist Louis Canute has now revealed that De Jong is a bit disappointed at Barcelona. Therefore, the Dutch midfielder does not rule out the possibility of leaving La Liga in the summer of 2024.
The former Ajax midfielder is disappointed that the club has no chance of winning the Champions League. Meanwhile, Barca’s situation in the domestic arena is increasingly deteriorating. Man United has special interest in De Jong despite missing out on this player in 2022.
Notably, De Jong is currently the highest-earning player in Barcelona with a salary of 21.17 million pounds per year, equivalent to a weekly compensation of about 406,000 pounds.
It is important to know that the reigning La Liga champion no longer considers him an “untouchable name”. In other words, they are willing to accept the offer to recruit De Jong, thereby helping to meet the Financial Fair Play Law.
Back in the summer of 2022, the Dutchman was adamant that he would not leave Barcelona. Man United tried to convince him for several weeks before signing Casemiro from Real Madrid.
The club is also considering the possibility of selling Christian Eriksen. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will take charge of football operations, has set a goal of reducing the average age of the team.
The British billionaire is also interested in reducing his future wage bill. Taking this into account, Man United is unlikely to take a new approach to sign De Jong in the next transfer window.
First of all, Barcelona may want a fee of at least £60-70 million. In addition, Man United may have to meet this player’s incredible salary requirements.
The club could save £500,000 a week by parting ways with Casemiro and Eriksen, but Ratcliffe is unlikely to spend that amount on a single player and could consider signing an emerging star.
Benfica’s Joao Neves would be a great long-term acquisition. Neves has a £103m release clause in his contract, but the Portuguese team could negotiate a lower price in the summer.
Neves is one of the lowest earners with a salary of £16,000 per week. Man United could give the player nearly £100,000 a week if he agrees to move to Old Trafford in the next transfer window.