Liverpool are plotting to gatecrash Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according Spanish outlet Sport. The Red Devils’ transfer saga with the Dutchman prevailed all summer long as they failed to entice him to Old Trafford. De Jong’s former manager Erik ten Hag took over at United this season, and hoped the midfielder will join him as well. However, the 25-year-old held out on his firm decision of continuing at the Catalan club which gave rise to many controversies.
On the other hand, Liverpool in deep troubles after their season commenced as all of their first-team midfielders suffered injuries at different timelines. While Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho picked up knocks and made a return, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are still out. Their new recruit Arthur Melo too has undergone surgery and won’t be available before the turn of the year. As a result, the Reds are eyeing some reinforcements in the middle of the park next summer, with Frenkie de Jong now on their radars.
United still want De Jong despite signing Casemiro as Liverpool too will battle for the midfielder
Manchester United had thought they almost got Frenkie de Jong, after they had agreed a £70 million package [£63m fee plus £7m add-ons] for the midfielder with Barcelona. However, the deal never went through as De Jong refused to put pen to paper. He reportedly made it clear to Barca hierarchy he wanted to succeed at the club under Xavi. Whereas the Catalans pushed for his sale in order balance their economic record.
United as a result gave up on his pursuit and instead spent £70 million on Real Madrid’s Casemiro, which drew mixed reactions from their fans. Meanwhile, Liverpool are now set to approach De Jong next summer, as they look to add a new midfielder to their ranks. A couple of their crucial players in that position, Thiago and Henderson are past their 30s and Klopp wants some young blood.
The Reds feel the former Ajax midfielder fits in perfectly in Klopp’s system at the age of 25, and could be a long term leader of their midfield. Moreover, given United’s dismal performances and their irregular attendance in the Champions League, Liverpool fancy their chances over the Red Devils who are still interested in bringing the Barca man. On the other hand, Xavi regularly playing him at center-back has reportedly annoyed De Jong and is open to a switch away from Camp Nou next summer.
Liverpool have four of their midfielders, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Arthur Melo [on loan] in the final years of their contracts and if they let go all of them, they will need some bulking up in the middle of the park. And while De Jong is now being chased by the Merseyside club, their prime target remains Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham who could be on the move next summer and demand a fee in the excess of £100 milion.
Furthermore, De Jong was also speculated to opt against a move to United as he wants to continue to feature in the Champions League. However, Barca are once again facing the possibility of dropping to the Europa League in a repeat of events from the last season. This could add to the frustration of the midfielder, who reportedly is also being owed £17 million in salary by the Catalans. He has however recently spoken up about the rumours of his salary-tiff with Barcelona, denying the allegations that he is against taking another wage-cut. De Jong told ZiggoSport:
“I don’t think I am Barca’s best paid player after Messi. There has been a campaign with lot of lies. In each of first 3 years I played here, I cut my salary. So eventually money has to come back and of course it will look bigger.”
Only the next summer tells now whether or not Frenkie de Jong remains at Camp Nou, or is forced out or he himself bids adieu. Liverpool and United are slated to come calling, and Barca too are ready to churn out a huge fee if the Dutch international is to leave.