Frenkie de Jong picks between Manchester United and Chelsea
Frenkie de Jong is someone Manchester United have been linked with for the entire summer transfer window. And it is clear that the Red Devils need to make additions to their squad after a disastrous start to their season. Erik ten Hag’s side lost their opening game of the campaign 2-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion, and were then handed a 4-0 defeat by Brentford.
Thus, things are not going as Manchester United fans would have hoped for when Ten Hag arrived and this squad needs further signings if they are to even compete for a top four finish.
Someone like De Jong could end up being a terrific addition to this Manchester United side. The problem is that he has seemed keen to remain at Barcelona, although the belief is that the La Liga giants are very much open to the idea of the Dutch midfielder departing. But even if he was to leave, Old Trafford would not be his destination of choice.
As reported by The Telegraph, De Jong’s preference is to join Chelsea, which will come as a further blow to Manchester United.
Manchester United handed another blow in De Jong transfer race
While it is believed that De Jong’s priority is to remain at Barcelona, it looks like he would prefer a move to Chelsea over Manchester United, if he was to leave the club this summer.
Chelsea have also been heavily linked with a move for De Jong in recent times as well, as they look to improve their squad too, in a bid to remain a top four side.
It is not hard to see why De Jong might have reservations over joining Manchester United either. The Red Devils do not have Champions League football to offer, have been nowhere near their best for years and their start to this campaign speaks for itself.
It remains to be seen how the De Jong transfer saga turns out from here on but it would be smart for Manchester United to keep their eyes on alternative targets as well, as it does not look like the Dutchman is keen on a reunion with Ten Hag at the Theatre of Dreams.