Manchester United ‘reignite their interest in Frenkie de Jong ahead of the summer transfer

Manchester United are ready to reignite their interest in Frenkie de Jong, with reports stating Erik ten Hag has earmarked the 25-year-old as a primary target for the summer transfer window. 

De Jong looked set to join the Red Devils last summer after Manchester United had agreed financial terms with Barcelona. However, the Dutchman decided to stay with the Catalan giants instead.

De Jong is now said to be open to signing for Man United after Ten Hag’s side beat Barcelona in the knockout play-off round of this season’s Europa League. 

According to talkSPORT, De Jong is also interested in the prospect of playing alongside Casemiro in United’s midfield line next season. 

Champions League football is another important component for De Jong and the fact United are in contention for securing a place in the competition excites him. 

Manchester United are ready to reignite their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Erik ten Hag has earmarked the 25-year-old as a primary target for the summer window

Ten Hag (c) is also hopeful Old Trafford’s ‘feel-good factor’ will influence De Jong’s decision

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is hopeful Old Trafford’s ‘feel-good factor’ will influence De Jong’s decision after the 25-year-old experienced the atmosphere at United’s home ground last week. 

Manchester United were unable to get a deal for De Jong over the line last summer, with the star not wanting to leave Barcelona after the clubs agreed a fee of £71million.

However, Barcelona are under renewed pressure to reduce their wage bill and could encourage the 25-year-old to join the Red Devils this summer to get him off their books.

As it stands, De Jong has a Barcelona contract until 2026 and is set to earn around £78m over the final four years of it after he agreed a restructure to help the club mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

United’s recent success in the Carabao Cup may also convince De Jong to move to Manchester. Plus, Ten Hag’s team are continuing to push for the title this season.

Speaking about De Jong in February, Ten Hag said: ‘Frenkie is an incredible player. For every club in the whole world, he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality. If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger.

Ten Hag is a big fan of De Jong after previously managing him when they were at Ajax

De Jong is also interested in the prospect of playing alongside Casemiro in United’s midfield

‘We (Ajax) had a class in 2019 that was a team with a lot of fascination. He brings a lot of fascination and he develops, and in Spain he became even better.

‘He’s a fantastic player. He plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him.’

However, Barca coach Xavi insisted that De Jong was happy at the club after all the speculation over his future last summer.

‘I think he was really glad,’ said Xavi. ‘He wanted to stay with us, there was not a doubt. He is our player and I’m really happy with his leadership and performance. I think Frenkie is enjoying being on the pitch and that is the most important thing.’