According to recent reports from Spain, Barcelona is apparently ready to part ways with Frenkie de Jong, with a price tag of €60 million set for the Dutch midfielder. This development suggests that the long-standing speculation about De Jong’s future at Camp Nou might finally be reaching a resolution. Since his arrival in 2019, De Jong has been the subject of numerous transfer rumors, and now it seems Barcelona is prepared to entertain offers for his departure this summer.
Manchester United, who have shown a consistent interest in De Jong, might be in a prime position to secure his signature. The club has come close to signing the 27-year-old in the past two summer transfer windows but has yet to finalize a deal. The current situation at Barcelona, coupled with the reported asking price of €60 million, might make this summer the most opportune moment for United to complete the transfer.
Reports from the Spanish outlet Fichajes suggest that Barcelona’s readiness to negotiate at this revised price could be a game-changer. With United actively seeking a new central midfielder and having faced difficulties in acquiring Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte—who remains their top target despite PSG’s firm stance on his €60 million valuation—United is now exploring alternative options. Names like Burnley’s Sander Berge, Joao Gomes, and Youssouf Fofana have surfaced as potential targets, as noted by The Transfers Podcast.
Despite these alternatives, De Jong’s uncertain future at Barcelona and the newly set price could redirect United’s focus back to him. His current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €47.5 million, a decrease from its peak of €86.1 million in July 2021. This drop in value may further incentivize United to pursue De Jong, especially in light of their recent activity in the transfer market.
Manchester United has been proactive this summer, already securing Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee and Lille defender Leny Yoro for a total of €104.5 million. Furthermore, the club is on the brink of announcing the arrivals of Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. On the flip side, they have seen several departures, including Mason Greenwood to Marseille, Willy Kambwala to Villarreal, Alvaro Carreras Fernandez to Benfica, and Donny van de Beek to Girona. Raphael Varane’s exit on a free transfer also highlights the significant changes within the squad.
Given the current dynamics and the potential for De Jong’s transfer at a reduced rate, this summer could indeed present Manchester United with a golden opportunity to enhance their midfield, aligning with their ongoing efforts to reshape and strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.