Erik ten Hag, Manchester United, December 2022
A report has surfaced that Man Utd will not be able to sign one of Erik ten Hag's preferred targets this summer.
Ten Hag is building a promising project at Man Utd, having just lifted the Carabao Cup trophy. With a few smart additions this summer, he could lead his side to the Premier League title.
Finding a new striker will be one of the priorities, as will his goalkeeping situation. But another area that needs strengthening, if given the chance, could be their midfield. In this territory, their main target last summer was Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong. After all, Ten Hag worked with him at Ajax.
However, De Jong's decision to stay at Barcelona led Man Utd to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid instead. The Brazilian's impact was positive, although several red cards didn't help.
Without Casemiro, Man Utd seems to need something more in midfield. As a result, there have been new hints of them rekindling interest in De Jong.
Sadly, Diario Sport have revealed that De Jong will also be unable to join any clubs this summer.
According to a Barcelona-based source, he has become one of three 'untouchable' members of Xavi's squad ahead of the summer who will not be sold even in 'the moment'. absolute despair'.
Apart from De Jong, Barcelona refused to consider the idea of leaving Ronald Araujo and Pedri.
The La Liga side need to raise funds by selling some players, but there will be plenty of other contenders ahead of the mentioned trio. Man Utd may have to give up De Jong's dream
Therefore, the possibility of Man Utd reuniting Ten Hag with De Jong this summer is almost impossible. Moreover, the player himself has stated that he is very happy at Barcelona recently - even more so than last year.
Perhaps it would be wise for Man Utd to forget about signing De Jong this year. And he still has a contract at Camp Nou until 2026, so he could be out of their reach for a long time.
Indeed, De Jong will be 29 years old when his contract with Barcelona expires. Barcelona's insistence on keeping him represents a change, which even Sport admits. Last year, it looked like they were ready to sell him to Man Utd, before the Dutchman chose to stay.
Now Barcelona are resisting the concept of taking advantage of De Jong, so they agreed.
Ten Hag may be feeling a little let down by the latest update, having previously been very open about his admiration for De Jong. But at least Man Utd will be able to start looking for alternatives when there is plenty of time before the transfer window opens.
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