Man United backed to make audacious swoop for ‘World-class’ £50m La-liga star in January deal -Reports

Man United backed to make audacious swoop for ‘World-class’ £50m La-liga star in January deal -Reports

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

When Ten Hag was named Man United’s manager in 2022, he was anxious to get de Jong to Old Trafford, but the midfield player turned down the offer to work with them.

The teams worked up a transfer package, but de Jong was certain that he did not want to join the Premier League.

According to Sport (via SportWitness), the Dutchman is still keen on getting back together with his former Ajax player and wants United to move in January if he continues in his role as manager.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old is content to stay at Barcelona after only recovering from an ankle ailment.

Sport suggest that the ‘world-class‘ star could consider his stance if the Blaugrana try to force him through the exit door in order to balance their books. The Spanish club are currently allowed to spend 50% of incoming funds, but they are eager to return to the 1:1 rule in the coming transfer windows.

United parted ways with Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat (end of loan spell) and they added Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain to bolster the midfield.

The Uruguayan has shown glimpses of his immense quality and he should evolve into a key performer for the Red Devils.

Despite this, ten Hag has a long-standing ambition of signing de Jong at United.

The £50 million star did not want the move two years ago, but the scenario could be different next year.

De Jong will enter the last 18 months of his contract at Barcelona and he could be pushed through the exit door.

Still, we don’t see the Red Devils signing him during the January transfer window with concerns over the Profitability and Sustainability spending limits. United were pretty much forced to offload McTominay in the summer in order to secure the transfer of Ugarte from the Ligue 1 champions.

Unless they can recoup big funds from players sales this winter, a transfer can be ruled out. The strategy could be completely different next year if Ten Hag does not keep his job. The Dutchman is under immense pressure at the moment with United having made their worst start after 7 league games in 35 years