Medical confirmed: Manchester United set to welcome the signing of £70m midfielder, jersey number confirmed as medical team on standby to welcome united third signing
Manchester United have reignited their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong after their failed negotiation for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United have failed to negotiate a deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, reigniting interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong. The Red Devils are searching vigorously for a first-team defensive midfielder to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo in a double-pivot midfield.
PSG have demanded a price that would cover the sum that they paid for Ugarte to Sporting Lisbon last summer. United have refused to accept the high price tag after the limited opportunities that Ugarte received at the French club.
Man United have spent a big amount of cash to sign Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro already, boosting their senior squad. However, the pressure from FFP rules forces them to rethink their transfer strategy and act accordingly as they reinforce the squad.
According to English journalist Michael Plant (via Fichajes), United want De Jong as an alternative to Ugarte during the summer. The Red Devils chased De Jong two summers ago when Erik ten Hag joined the English club and made changes.
At that time, United signed Casemiro eventually after struggling to match the high price tag that Barcelona have put. United could secure De Jong for between £30 million and £40 million which makes him very cheap in the market. The Catalan giants are struggling persistently with finances and they could accept a low-ball offer for their defensive midfielder.
Standing at 1.81 metres, De Jong is a versatile defensive midfielder who can play in many different positions tactically. The 27-year-old has played as a number six, number eight and centre-back as required by his team.
The Dutch midfielder is combative and an astute reader of the game, capable of making strong tackles and interceptions. He is competent in aerial and ground duels, using position and body currently while timing his moves to perfection.
The 27-year-old’s best qualities are his technical and playmaking skills, making highly accurate passes while dictating the tempo in games. De Jong uses variation of passes with accuracy and they are mostly progressive to build attacks from the deep line.
De Jong’s ability to manipulate the ball and make progressive carries from the deep makes him hard to dispossess. While the Dutchman fits the profile that United desires, his salary is a big obstacle for the Red Devils.
