Man Utd boss Ten Hag ready to do ‘the impossible’ and ‘seduce’ £71m ‘galactic’ signing
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag will make another attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the summer, according to reports.
The Red Devils attempted to buy the Netherlands international from Barca last summer with the Catalan giants looking to reduce their wage bill.
It was reported that Man Utd even agreed a fee in principle with Barcelona but that De Jong had no intention of leaving the Camp Nou.
But Ten Hag’s side could have an advantage in the summer compared to last year with Man Utd currently on course to qualify for the Champions League after having to settle for Europa League football this term.
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And Spanish publication Sport insist that Ten Hag attempted ‘the impossible’ last summer as he tried to sign De Jong from Barca and is now ‘willing to try it a second time’.
They describe the potential arrival of De Jong as a ‘galactic signing’ for Man Utd and that the transfer ‘could change the team’s aspirations’.
De Jong ‘is aware that the option is still open in case he changes his mind’ with ‘his desire is to continue wearing the blaugrana and win trophies with Barca’.
But, with Man Utd in a ‘good moment’ which could see them add the Europa League and FA Cup to their League Cup triumph, a ‘reunion with Ten Hag could seduce him’.
A report earlier this month insisted Chelsea could challenge them for De Jong’s signature in the summer and that the Dutchman would set Man Utd back around £71m.
When asked about the possibility of him leaving Barcelona to move to Old Trafford in the summer, De Jong replied over the weekend: “No, I don’t think so. You never know of course. But I’m very happy in Barcelona.
“From the summer until now it has improved for me here. I play almost every game, it makes me feel so satisfied. I am a better player now than what I was when I signed for Barça.”
Former Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique had previously said that he hoped the Reds could sign De Jong in the next transfer window but the Spaniard is more and more convinced the midfielder will join Man Utd.
“I actually believe they (Manchester United) will get him now because of Barcelona’s economic situation,” Enrique posted on Instagram earlier this month. “And Manchester (United) is in a much better position than last season as well.”
READ MORE: Man Utd midfielder lines up in weekend’s worst XI after failing to seize big chance