Man United ready to sign £60m Barcelona midfield Maestro in January in final show of faith to Ten Hag -Reports

Man United ready to sign £60m Barcelona midfield Maestro in January in final show of faith to Ten Hag -Reports

Man United manager Erik ten Hag, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
Man Utd are reportedly back in for Frenkie de Jong

According to a rumor, Man Utd may give in to Erik ten Hag’s request to bring in a top midfield player in January.

Although Ten Hag’s role as Manchester United manager has come under scrutiny, the Dutchman has survived the international break unharmed.

Ten Hag is “desperate” to bolster his struggling team in January, according to the Spanish publication Sport.

This move could be crucial in establishing whether or not he has a long-term future at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is rumored to have pleaded with Manchester United to reopen negotiations for Frenkie de Jong, the player he initially desired during his first transfer window.

The 27-year-old’s name has reportedly been put forward by the United boss and it’s claimed Man Utd are ready to open the chequebook once again.

A mid-season transfer in the upcoming January window is Ten Hag’s ideal outcome. It’s stated the signing of De Jong – who Ten Hag previously managed at Ajax – could be the manager’s ‘last bullet’ from a transfer standpoint.

In other words, if Man Utd were to land De Jong and the club’s performances still didn’t improve, Ten Hag would not be backed any further and likely wouldn’t be in charge for the summer window in 2025.

De Jong plans hinge on Ten Hag avoiding the sack
De Jong is linked with Man Utd seemingly every window, though as yet he’s shown no inclination he wants to leave Barcelona.

Sport acknowledge the Dutchman’s intentions are still to remain with the Spanish giant. However, with his contract running down, he may finally be ready to accept an exit if Barcelona attempt to force him out.

De Jong’s existing deal expires in 2026 and he’s reportedly among the club’s highest earners.

Separate reports in Spain have stated that if De Jong refuses to accept a pay cut, then he’ll not be offered a new deal.