Ten Hag’s fervent aim
The Dutch coach, Erik Ten Hag, is not giving up hope of reuniting Manchester United with two exceptional talents: Matthijs De Ligt and Frenkie De Jong. Although De Jong has been sidelined through injury, Ten Hag is confident the British club should make an effort to sign him, seeing him as a key element of their team’s strategy.
A persistence that repeats itself
Last summer, the manager tried his best to bring in De Jong, but his efforts were unsuccessful. He is now in a new round of negotiations with the pre-season around the corner, and while the trade is not the current priority, Ten Hag hopes that in the final days of the month, finances permitting, a new proposal will be activated.
Strategies to make the operation work
In order to make negotiations with FC Barcelona viable, Ten Hag is considering several alternatives to facilitate the transfer of De Jong. Considering that the Catalan club will ask for a considerable amount, the coach is open to the option of including current United players in the offer.
Antony’s case
One of the footballers who could enter this operation is Antony. The Brazilian has failed to stand out under Ten Hag’s management and the coach is aware that Barça is looking for a winger. Storms surrounding his €100m arrival at Old Trafford have left a disappointing legacy, and that could open the door to a swap that lowers De Jong’s price.
FC Barcelona’s reaction
Faced with this potential offer, the Barcelona club has made its position clear: a resounding ‘no’. Although the managers would welcome the departure of De Jong to reduce the wage bill, they would only consider a transfer if an attractive opportunity presented itself. In the case of a trade, they would need a player who really brings value to their project.
Because Antony doesn’t fit
Although the team is looking for a new addition in the offensive line, Antony is not among the candidates wanted by the new athletic director, Deco. In addition, some controversies that have surrounded his career have made his profile unattractive for Barcelona’s philosophy.
A clear message for United
In short, the message sent by FC Barcelona officials is unequivocal: if they really want Frenkie De Jong, they will have to pay the price set by the club. The possibility of the exchange closes, and this leaves Ten Hag with a complex task, as the strategy to get De Jong is hampered by the resistance of his current club.
An uncertain future
With the start of the new season just around the corner, the scene is uncertain. Ten Hag’s desire to strengthen the squad with De Jong may still materialize, but the way forward will be marked by the decisions made by both sides in the coming weeks.
