According to The Times, Liverpool are now considering a move for Frenkie de Jong after Erik ten Hag unsuccessfully tried to lure him to Manchester United.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Ten Hag had phoned the Liverpool target to speak to him about a move to Old Trafford, after the pair enjoyed success together at Ajax.
However, De Jong was not convinced by a move to Manchester United, despite the Red Devils agreeing a deal worth €85m (£72m) with Barcelona midway through July.
Now, Liverpool could make a late offer for the £168,000-a-week Netherlands international.
The Times believe De Jong is one of the options being considered by Jürgen Klopp and Julian Ward – Director of Football at Anfield – after the German changed his mind regarding the need for a new central midfielder.
Furthermore, it is said that Klopp is a huge fan of Jude Bellingham, although Borussia Dortmund are highly unlikely to sell the England international this summer after losing Erling Haaland to Manchester City.
Interest in De Jong comes after he made 47 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season, scoring four goals while also providing five assists.
Liverpool must push for Frenkie de Jong
In our view, this is a now or never opportunity for Liverpool, and they must act.
Barcelona currently find themselves in a financial mess, to the extent where their £42m signing Jules Kounde is yet to play in La Liga this season as the Catalans couldn’t afford to register him.
To afford the signing in the first place, Barcelona agreed to sell their TV rights for the next 25 years.
In our view, there is no way whatsoever that Xavi would even consider selling De Jong if Barcelona were not in serious need of money – therefore, Liverpool need to be ruthless and take advantage of the situation.
At the age of just 25, the Netherlands international has shown he can become the best midfielder in Europe one day – in truth, he arguably was the best around in 2019, when Ajax reached the Champions League semi-final.
Keep an eye on this situation, as we wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool bid for De Jong soon.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
