The transfer saga involving Manchester United and Frenkie de Jong has arguably been the longest running and most confusing of the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have been linked with the Dutch international star ever since they appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager. Barcelona also seem to be open to letting the midfielder go. Yet, nothing has transpired till now.
On paper, De Jong moving to Manchester United makes a lot of sense. It was under Ten Hag that he played the best football of his career and his development has stagnated to a large extent, since he left Ajax for Barcelona. Thus, a change of scenery might do him the world of good.
De Jong does not seem to be keen on a move to Manchester United though. But a different Premier League club might have a better chance of signing him.
As reported by SPORT, De Jong is very grateful to Ten Hag for all the efforts to sign him but the Dutchman would only agree to leave if it is for Chelsea. The London club are not ready to shell as much as Manchester United though.
Manchester United handed De Jong blow, who seems to prefer Chelsea move
Chelsea are another club who have been linked with De Jong this summer but at this point of time, defence seems to be an area of more urgent need for them, having seen Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave as free agents and Cesar Azpilicueta also heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
Rumours have suggested that it will not be a problem for Manchester United to agree a transfer fee for De Jong with Barcelona. The real issue for them is convincing the midfielder that a move to Old Trafford is the right step for him.
Thus, Manchester United must keep their eyes on alternatives as well and have recently been linked with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves.