Frenkie de Jong’s verdict on joining Chelsea: The Blues could punish Man United for their terrible 2021/22 season
Despite Manchester United having negotiated a deal for the midfielder, Chelsea could have a decent chance of landing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona if the opportunity arises due to his penchant for Champions League games.
The Red Devils could be punished for their terrible season in 2021/22, when they finished sixth and qualified for the Europa League.
The Blues are said to be monitoring his status in case a transfer to Old Trafford falls through.
Man United have put a lot of faith in De Jong this summer, with Erik ten Hag eager to rejoin with the former Ajax starlet.
An initial fee of £56 million, which may increase to £73 million, has already been agreed with Barca, but personal terms are not considered a formality.
That’s partially because, according to The Guardian, De Jong wants to play Champions League football next season, and Chelsea is keeping an eye on things in case the player changes his mind about joining United.
Meanwhile, under Thomas Tuchel, the Blues finished a very comfortable third, securing their place in Europe’s elite club competition.
Although talks between De Jong and United are thought to be advanced, Chelsea may be hoping for a late twist based on the player’s earlier comments.
For one thing, despite the chance of working with Ten Hag again, he freely acknowledged several weeks ago that he would prefer not to join United.
Furthermore, if the midfielder learns of a rival bidder who can boast Champions League football, he may decide to postpone his move to Old Trafford.
However, Red Devils fans should not panic just yet, as sources indicate that he is now ‘open’ to becoming a Red.
Tuchel and new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly are said to be eager on infusing youth into the club’s midfield ranks, with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante both approaching the end of their contracts.
Conor Gallagher, who is returning on loan, will provide some assurance in that area, but the manager is a ‘admirer’ of De Jong, and a player of his calibre would undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the squad.
Since joining Barcelona in a big-money transfer in 2019, the 25-year-old has been a regular.
He had three league goals and three assists last season, but he is best recognised for his accurate forward passing and press resistance.
United’s Dutch recruitment effort includes many other high-profile players, which might help lessen the pain if the De Jong deal falls through at the last minute.
Tyrell Malacia is expected to get a medical this weekend after agreeing to terms with the Red Devils. The 22-year-old Feyenoord midfielder looked ready to join Lyon before United intervened.
Ajax talents Antony, Jurrien Timber, and Lisandro Martinez have also been extensively linked with a move to Old Trafford, with Ten Hag clearly eager to return to familiar ground.
Allowing him to do so would be a huge show of confidence from the United board, which had a disappointing season last time out.
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Frenkie de Jong’s verdict on joining Chelsea: The Blues could punish Man United for their terrible 2021/22 season
