“Many issues come out that aren’t true, it’s irritating me.”
The sometimes mellow Frenkie de Jong took on an air of defiance as he confronted the media forward of Barcelona’s Champions League spherical of 16 first leg draw with Napoli.
The Dutchman has by no means been too far-off from switch hearsay mills since he switched Amsterdam for Catalonia in 2019 given the membership’s dire monetary scenario, though latest hyperlinks – which thrust De Jong’s reported wage into prominence – have gotten the midfielder’s again up.
With De Jong, who solely not too long ago grew to become a father, content material in Barcelona and sporting director Deco confirming the membership’s intentions to maintain the 26-year-old this summer season, an exit does presently seem unlikely. Nonetheless, Barca’s monetary points imply De Jong’s sale cannot definitively be dominated out.
The Dutch star would have loads of suitors, and listed here are some potential candidates for his signature if he have been to turn out to be obtainable.
Whereas Ange Postecoglou has been capable of candy speak many into signing for Tottenham since he arrived in north London final summer season, it’d take a complete lot greater than mere phrases to steer De Jong to change Barcelona for the Lilywhites.
Spurs could also be on the rise, however they’d want Champions League soccer to even give themselves an opportunity of entertaining the Dutchman. De Jong would, after all, be an immense addition to Tottenham’s midfield and would possible function because the #6 in Ange’s configuration.
The midfielder was reportedly near becoming a member of Spurs lengthy earlier than his Barca change and a few Spanish retailers broke the information of a €60m bid arriving from the Premier League membership for the 26-year-old. These stories, nonetheless, have since been rubbished.
Chance score: 2/10
De Jong was as soon as on the point of a transfer to Outdated Trafford in the summertime of 2022, with a £70m deal reportedly in place. The switch fell by way of, nonetheless, and United turned to veteran Casemiro to mitigate their midfield woes on the finish of the switch window.
Erik ten Hag, who oversaw De Jong’s improvement at Ajax, was a significant factor within the Dutchman’s curiosity two years in the past, and whereas United have as soon as once more been linked with the 26-year-old, there aren’t any ensures Ten Hag will likely be on the membership past the summer season.
United additionally face an uphill battle to qualify for subsequent season’s reformatted Champions League.
Nonetheless, the INEOS-led undertaking may intrigue De Jong with the Crimson Devils poised to make extra midfield strikes.
Chance score: 3/10
Like PSG, De Jong, whose profile is comparatively laborious to outline, is not the midfielder Bayern Munich essentially require.
Bayern nonetheless want somebody within the mould of Joao Palhinha, who got here near becoming a member of the membership final summer season. An outright #6 is on the menu in Bavaria; a duel-winner, stabiliser and defensive phenom.
The all-around spectacular De Jong boasts points of the midfielder Bayern crave and his athleticism means he ought to have little points adjusting to the space-haven that’s the Bundesliga.
Bayern reportedly shortlisted De Jong after lacking out on Declan Rice final summer season and will think about the 26-year-old on the finish of what has the makings of a trophy-less 2023/24 season.
Even when he isn’t the #6 Bayern desperately want, De Jong could be an improve over Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer and even Joshua Kimmich.
Chance score: 4/10
Regardless of how the 2023/24 marketing campaign pans out for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will likely be eager to supervise midfield adjustments this summer season.
The perpetually unavailable Thomas Partey will certainly be moved on, whereas 32-year-old Jorginho will solely signal a short-term cope with the membership if he does prolong his keep.
The Gunners have been linked with an array of youthful midfield stars forward of the January window and Actual Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is reportedly on their summer season wishlist. Nonetheless, De Jong should be thought-about by the Gunners if their funds enable them to pursue a transfer.
He’d be completely superb for Arteta given his refined versatility and all-encompassing expertise. Think about De Jong and Declan Rice working in tandem. Filth.
Chance score: 5/10
When stories have been rife relating to Barca’s have to promote De Jong this summer season to ease their monetary burden, PSG have been on the forefront of potential candidates.
The French giants are parting methods with Kylian Mbappe this summer season and are poised to float away from their Galacticos strategy to recruitment which didn’t convey in regards to the desired rewards on the continental stage.
PSG have a supervisor in Luis Enrique who’s undoubtedly able to overseeing a undertaking, however there are holes in his squad excluding the monster void Mbappe will depart.
Enrique is blessed with a litany of gifted midfielders together with Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery and Fabian Ruiz, however Manuel Ugarte has thus far been left wanting on the largest stage. De Jong is probably not the profile PSG require, however the Dutchman could be a substantial improve on the Uruguayan.
Chance score: 6/10
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