Liverpool are plotting to gatecrash Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, in accordance Spanish outlet Sport. The Pink Devils’ switch saga with the Dutchman prevailed all summer season lengthy as they did not entice him to Outdated Trafford. De Jong’s former supervisor Erik ten Hag took over at United this season, and hoped the midfielder will be part of him as effectively. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old held out on his agency determination of continuous on the Catalan membership which gave rise to many controversies.
However, Liverpool in deep troubles after their season commenced as all of their first-team midfielders suffered accidents at totally different timelines. Whereas Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho picked up knocks and made a return, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are nonetheless out. Their new recruit Arthur Melo too has undergone surgical procedure and received’t be obtainable earlier than the flip of the 12 months. Because of this, the Reds are eyeing some reinforcements in the midst of the park subsequent summer season, with Frenkie de Jong now on their radars.
United nonetheless need De Jong regardless of signing Casemiro as Liverpool too will battle for the midfielder
Manchester United had thought they virtually bought Frenkie de Jong, after they’d agreed a £70 million package deal [£63m fee plus £7m add-ons] for the midfielder with Barcelona. Nevertheless, the deal by no means went by as De Jong refused to place pen to paper. He reportedly made it clear to Barca hierarchy he needed to succeed on the membership underneath Xavi. Whereas the Catalans pushed for his sale so as steadiness their financial document.
United consequently gave up on his pursuit and as a substitute spent £70 million on Actual Madrid’s Casemiro, which drew combined reactions from their followers. In the meantime, Liverpool are actually set to method De Jong subsequent summer season, as they give the impression of being so as to add a brand new midfielder to their ranks. A few their essential gamers in that place, Thiago and Henderson are previous their 30s and Klopp needs some younger blood.
The Reds really feel the previous Ajax midfielder matches in completely in Klopp’s system on the age of 25, and could possibly be a long run chief of their midfield. Furthermore, given United’s dismal performances and their irregular attendance within the Champions League, Liverpool fancy their probabilities over the Pink Devils who’re nonetheless keen on bringing the Barca man. However, Xavi usually taking part in him at center-back has reportedly irritated De Jong and is open to a change away from Camp Nou subsequent summer season.
Liverpool have 4 of their midfielders, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Arthur Melo [on loan] within the closing years of their contracts and in the event that they let go all of them, they may want some bulking up in the midst of the park. And whereas De Jong is now being chased by the Merseyside membership, their prime goal stays Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham who could possibly be on the transfer subsequent summer season and demand a payment within the extra of £100 milion.
Moreover, De Jong was additionally alleged to choose in opposition to a transfer to United as he needs to proceed to characteristic within the Champions League. Nevertheless, Barca are as soon as once more dealing with the opportunity of dropping to the Europa League in a repeat of occasions from the final season. This might add to the frustration of the midfielder, who reportedly can be being owed £17 million in wage by the Catalans. He has nevertheless not too long ago spoken up in regards to the rumours of his salary-tiff with Barcelona, denying the allegations that he’s in opposition to taking one other wage-cut. De Jong instructed ZiggoSport:
“I don’t suppose I’m Barca’s greatest paid participant after Messi. There was a marketing campaign with lot of lies. In every of first 3 years I performed right here, I minimize my wage. So finally cash has to come back again and naturally it should look greater.”
Solely the subsequent summer season tells now whether or not or not Frenkie de Jong stays at Camp Nou, or is pressured out or he himself bids adieu. Liverpool and United are slated to come back calling, and Barca too are able to churn out an enormous payment if the Dutch worldwide is to depart.
