Transfer Centre

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong 'wanted by European giants this summer'

By Devesh Jaganath | 20 April 2024

Bayern Munich reportedly revive their interest in Frenkie de Jong and have made inquiries about the possibility of signing the Barcelona midfielder in the summer.

Bayern Munich have reportedly revived their interest in Frenkie de Jong and have made inquiries about the possibility of signing the Barcelona midfielder in the summer.

After winning an incredible 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles, the Bavarians recently relinquished their stranglehold on the German top-flight crown to Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen.

With a squad in need of rejuvenation, it is understood that the Bayern board are prepared to earmark £130m for signings for their next head coach.

Following Alonso's decision to extend his contract at Leverkusen and Julian Nagelsmann doing the same with the German national team, Zinedine Zidane has emerged as a potential candidate to take the reins in Bavaria next season.

However, there is uncertainty around whether Zidane will join Bayern this summer, with some reports suggesting that the former Real Madrid boss could be on his way to Manchester United if Erik ten Hag departs from Old Trafford.

Ex-Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane on May 1, 2021 © Reuters

Bayern reignite interest in Frenkie de Jong

According to Relevo, Bayern Munich have "reignited their interest in De Jong." While they mention that the 26-year-old midfielder is currently happy at his La Liga club, they also claim that Barcelona will welcome good offers for the Netherlands international.

The report adds that Barca, who are in desperate need of funds to ease their current financial burden, may be open to offers ranging from £43m to £50m for the 26-year-old midfielder.

During the previous summer, Thomas Tuchel's team included the Dutchman on their list of potential transfers following their decision to withdraw from pursuing Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. It is understood that Bayern had viewed De Jong as the perfect choice to bolster their midfield options.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag applauds fans after the match on February 24, 2024 © Reuters

Man United to return for De Jong?

In February, De Jong responded to widespread speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United amid a transfer saga that has been ongoing for several years.

Back in 2022, United submitted a bid of around £70m to secure the midfielder's services, but he chose to stay in Spain. It remains to be seen if the Red Devils consider a fresh offer for the 26-year-old this summer.

If a deal does go through, De Jong will receive a £15m loyalty bonus for deferring his salary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bavarians are also believed to be interested in the Dutch midfielder's teammate Ronald Araujo.

Barcelona currently trail rivals Real Madrid by eight points in the La Liga standings but will have the chance to cut the gap to five points when they face Los Blancos in El Clasico on Sunday evening.