Should Manchester United Go Back for Ten Hag's Dream Midfielder? Maybe, Maybe Not

Speculation linking Frankie de Jong to Manchester United are back in full force. Once again, rumours have linked the Dutch midfielder with a move away from Barcelona, with the Red Devils emerging as a potential destination.

According to Fichajes, 2025 could be the year De Jong and Barcelona split ways. The 27-year-old's contract with the La Liga heavyweights expires in 2026.

Barca will attempt to secure a new contract for the midfielder. However, given his lack of willingness to prolong his stay at Barcelona, they are considering selling him to alleviate their financial burden and prevent him from leaving on a free transfer.

Spanish outlet SPORT reports that United manager Erik ten Hag remains interested in De Jong joining his project at Old Trafford. The Dutch coach wants his former Ajax midfielder to arrive in January as he works to rebuild his midfield.

Some would believe De Jong is the midfielder who can help Manchester United turn things around. The Dutchman was Ten Hag's top priority signing. But he never agreed to join United and the club eventually signed Casemiro.

Is De Jong the Answer to United's Midfield?

In his second season at United, Casemiro's impact waned, and despite expectations last summer that Sofyan Amrabat would be the Brazilian midfielder's upgrade, the now-Fenerbahce man failed to deliver. Manuel Ugarte was signed as the no.6 in the summer, but he has yet to signal that he is that.

Recruiting De Jong makes sense, but it's worth noting that he explicitly rejected a move to Manchester United despite the club's willingness to go all out for him. Given United's struggles with injuries last season, is recruiting a 27-year-old prone to injury prudent? I do not think so.

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