According to Gerard Romero, there’s a 95% chance of Liverpool target Frenkie de Jong leaving Barcelona for Manchester United this summer.
What’s the story?
Well, it has been said that Jürgen Klopp wants to bring the Dutchman to the Premier League, although he now faces a significant obstacle.
Romero – a journalist with close ties to Barcelona – believes De Jong’s sale is purely due to financial issues at the Camp Nou, and in an ideal world, Xavi wouldn’t be forced to sell the 25-year-old.
However, these are desperate times for Barcelona, and they have no choice but to cash in on the Netherlands international, who they signed from Ajax for a sum of £65m back in January 2019.
Liverpool were said to be willing to spend big on De Jong, but now, it seems the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford has changed things.
The Dutchman managed De Jong in Amsterdam during their time at Ajax, where they won the Eredivisie and the KNVB Cup, while also reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
So far this season, the Netherlands international has made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals while also providing five assists.
Liverpool can respond to Manchester United setback
With De Jong closing in on a move to Manchester United, some Liverpool fans may be feeling quite upset.
However, Klopp hasn’t put all of his eggs in one basket.
It has been said that Liverpool are in talks with Monaco over a deal for Aurelien Tchouameni, who – at the age of 22 – is arguably a more attractive signing than De Jong.
The France international – who is also wanted by Real Madrid – is apparently keen to join the Reds.
Therefore, a move to Manchester for De Jong wouldn’t hit Liverpool too hard, as it seems they’re closing in on a midfield maestro of their own.
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