Man United dealt blow in race for De Jong as Barcelona eye two swap deals | OneFootball

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Stretty News

·26 May 2022

Man United dealt blow in race for De Jong as Barcelona eye two swap deals

Article image:Man United dealt blow in race for De Jong as Barcelona eye two swap deals

Following the recent arrival of new manager Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United are believed to have a strong interest in signing Barcelona midfielder, Frenkie De Jong.

A recent report from The Athletic confirmed that Ten Hag is keen to be reunited with one of his former players.

Midfield quartet Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata are all heading towards the Old Trafford exit after failing to extend their contracts.


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Ahead of what is going to be a big squad clearout, it goes without saying that the 20-times league winners will need to bring in at least one first-team player capable of playing in central midfield.

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Man United may miss out on Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong

However, when it comes to De Jong, following a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, the United faithful may have to put their excitement on ice after it has been claimed the Catalan giants are only interested in swapping the Dutchman for one of two players – neither of which belong to United.

Article image:Man United dealt blow in race for De Jong as Barcelona eye two swap deals

Frankie De Jong in action for Barcelona.

Barcelona manager Xavi is understood to be keen on either Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski or Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.

Lewandowski is understood to be eyeing a move to Barcelona this summer with the striker’s former agent recently taking to Twitter to mock his old client’s desire to move to the Nou Camp.

Elsewhere, as Pep Guardiola plots the Citizens’ next era, 27-year-old Silva is one player who could leave this summer.

Article image:Man United dealt blow in race for De Jong as Barcelona eye two swap deals

Bernardo Silva (left) in action for Manchester City.

However, despite the interest being shown in De Jong, Xavi has publicly appeared keen to retain the Netherlands international.

“For me, Frenkie is a great player,” Xavi told reporters earlier this year (as quoted by ESPN).

“I think he’s taken a step forward since we arrived. He’s a different player, more dynamic.

“He had some discomfort in his calf which didn’t allow him to play well in the Supercopa against Real Madrid. Now he looks comfortable, he isn’t losing the ball, he’s helping in defence, he’s getting into the box, he’s scoring goals. He’s a player to be at Barca for many years.”

Where do you think De Jong will play his football next season? – Let us know in the comments.

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