Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong still hasn’t responded to Barcelona’s new contract offer | OneFootball

Manchester United target Frenkie De Jong has had a contract offer from Barcelona on the table for months but there has still been no response from the player’s camp.

United, Erik ten Hag and De Jong are three names that have never been too far away from one another since the summer of 2022.

It is no secret that the Red Devils’ midfield needs a significant upgrade this summer with Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat likely to be heading for the exit door.

There have been players linked to a move to Old Trafford with Joao Neves and Youssouf Fofana being frequently mentioned as potential players to come in.

However, the player Ten Hag craves above all is the Dutchman.

The rumours were dormant for a while as the midfielder regularly stressed his happiness at the Camp Nou, but Barcelona’s economic woes have meant that the door of opportunity may open once more for United.

It has been reported lately that Barça are more open to selling the player should he refuse a new reduced contract offer, as they cannot commit to paying the mammoth deal that was agreed during the previous presidential regime at the club.

What’s more, the midfielder himself is also said to be more open to leaving the Camp Nou than he has been in the past, which would certainly aid the chances of a deal taking place.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has insisted that the player remains a key part of the project but the rumours won’t die down, the latest being a somewhat sensational report that United would be prepared to launch a swap deal involving Bruno Fernandes for the 26 year old.

Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo add further fuel to the fire by stating that “the Dutch coach is clear that he will ask again for the midfielder he already had at Ajax. And the Barça player’s entourage also knows it. Ten Hag knows the benefits he can give him and considers him his disciple.”

Interestingly, “De Jong has had a renewal offer from FC Barcelona for months to adapt his salary and his conditions, but the Dutch player has not yet given a response.”

The paper once more affirms that the club will happily sell him should he not agree to a new deal and that they fear he is “dragging his feet” to leave for cheaper or even for free in 2026 when his current deal expires.

In addition, “Barça sports leadership admit that the Dutchman’s performance this season has been below expectations. Due to this fact, if a good offer comes for him, they will seriously consider it.”

It feels that United’s interest in the former Ajax midfielder has always been tied to Erik ten Hag, so in the likely event he is sacked, it is hard to imagine United will pursue a deal for the player.

However, if Ten Hag somehow manages to keep his job at Old Trafford, a move for De Jong is very much on the cards as the 26 year old shows no sign of caving in and signing the reduced contract on offer in Catalonia.

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