Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag 'convinces Frenkie de Jong to join Manchester United'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 June 2022

Ten Hag 'convinces De Jong to join Manchester United'

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag convinces Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to make the move to Old Trafford, according to a report.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reportedly convinced Frenkie de Jong to make the move to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils have identified the Netherlands international as their leading target in the current market, with Ten Hag a huge admirer of the player that he coached at Ajax.

De Jong recently revealed a desire to remain with Barcelona this summer, claiming that the Catalan outfit are his "dream club", seemingly ending Man United's hopes of signing him.

However, the 20-time English champions are now allegedly in direct talks with Xavi's side over a deal for the 25-year-old, who is currently away with his national side playing in the UEFA Nations League.

According to The Mirror, De Jong has now been convinced to make the move to Old Trafford ahead of the 2022-23 campaign after holding successful talks with Ten Hag.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong warms up in May 2022 © Reuters

The report claims that the midfielder is reluctant to leave Barcelona, but Ten Hag has told him that he wants to build a new-look Man United side around him, and the former Ajax youngster is now set to move to Old Trafford providing that the two clubs can agree a transfer fee.

The Dutchman was again a vital player at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring four goals and registering five assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.

However, Barcelona will have to sell a major player this summer if they wish to boost their squad, with the Catalan outfit still struggling with financial problems.

De Jong still has more than four years left to run on his contract, while he has represented Barcelona on 139 occasions in all competitions, providing 13 goals and 17 assists.

An opening bid of £60m has allegedly been rejected by the La Liga side, but Man United are expected to return with a fresh offer in the coming days.

Frenkie de Jong warms up for Barcelona on November 27, 2021 © Reuters

The 20-time English champions are currently light in midfield, with Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba both leaving the club on free transfers this summer.

Donny van de Beek is set to return to Old Trafford after spending the second half of last season on loan at Everton, but midfield is said to be viewed as the main area in need of improvement in the current market.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has again opened the door to De Jong's exit this summer, claiming that the club "are ready" to sell "an important player".

Speaking to Barca TV, Laporta said: "If our economic situation requires the sale of an important player, we are ready for that."

De Jong will allegedly go on holiday after his national team's latest set of fixtures have concluded, but a decision on the midfielder's future is expected to be made before the end of the month.