UNITED WANTS TO 'FISH' IN BARCELONA
Manchester United could do a great favor to FC Barcelona
Published:4/08/2024 - 00:55h
Updated:4/08/2024 - 00:55h
Unexpected help would arrive at FC Barcelona this summer. The Manchester United coach, Erik ten Hag, would do Joan Laporta a favor by taking to England one of the players who would leave the most income for the culé team
Joan Laporta has discovered an unexpected partner in Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach remains firm in his mission to build a winning team at Old Trafford. For this reason, he is extremely interested in a midfielder from the culé team, whom he hopes to convince to leave Barcelona this summer.
The board of the 'red devils' wants to give their coach what he wants: emulate his success at Ajax. For this reason, they bought Antony two seasons ago and in the coming days they could make official the signing of Matthijs de Ligt, whom he also met during his glorious time in the Amsterdam team.
Now, a footballer who is on Ten Hag's radar is one of his favorite players: Frenkie De Jong. Last year he tried to sign him without success, so he does not want history to repeat itself in 2024. The midfielder's situation has also changed because he would no longer frown upon a change of scenery, especially because Hansi Flick would be willing to let him go so he could make cash this summer.
The fans would no longer be on his side after his constant physical problems and the fact that he went on vacation to Ibiza injured while the rest of his teammates were recovering has not left him with a good image inside and outside the team. Taking this into account, the board admits that if a good offer arrives they would study it, because they need to sell a player this summer to balance their financial situation.
De Ligt could be key in the signing
One of the great advantages that Manchester United would have to convince De Jong is to sign his great friend De Ligt. The center back has a very good relationship with the Barcelona player and is close to arriving in England. This could be a turning point, because both would like to share a locker room again.
The biggest problem would be that the Red Devils are not willing to pay the 16 million euros per season that the Dutchman earns at Barça. So if he wants to go play at Old Trafford he will have to lower his salary, and it is still not clear if he is willing to do so. What is clear is that Ten Hag and Barcelona will have to do what is necessary for the rest of August to convince him that a change of scenery is what he needs to continue growing as a soccer player. Will they achieve it?
