Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Xavi leaves Man Utd door ajar for Frenkie de Jong as Fabrizio Romano explains perfect deal route

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong could yet leave Barcelona for Manchester United this summer if the financial circumstances dictate it, Xavi has admitted.

United are reportedly going after the Dutch midfielder now that Erik ten Hag is their new manager. De Jong has struggled to hit his top form in Spain, compared to his rise at Ajax.

In fact, it was his spell under Ten Hag at the Eredivisie club that earned him the move to Camp Nou in 2019.

Despite his lack of top form, Barca head coach Xavi – who was one of the best midfielders of his generation – has insisted that De Jong can follow the same path if he stays and works with his manager.

Nevertheless, Barca are still in a troublesome financial situation, which Xavi has now admitted could affect the club’s chances of keeping their star midfielder.

“For me, Frenkie is a great player, he’s a beast – I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club,” the manager told a press conference.

“We will see the economic situation of the club… but I like De Jong.”

De Jong has played 46 games in all competitions this season, chipping in with four goals and five assists.

He has four years left on his contract following an extension in October 2020.

And while a deal for Man Utd will therefore not come cheap, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has opened up on the finances involved in a potential move.

Man Utd could sign De Jong

Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona midfielder, warming up for LaLiga match v Celta Vigo at Nou Camp

“Xavi wants to keep de Jong and de Jong wants to play the Champions League football and he will have this possibility with Barcelona next season,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“The financial situation, as Xavi mentioned, has to be considered.

“This is why everything depends on the price. Barcelona will only accept an important bid for the midfielder; €80-90million [£68-£76million] and no less than this.

“Despite all this, Xavi is still hoping to keep the player.”

Perfect signing for Ten Hag

Ten Hag would be a perfect first big signing for Ten Hag to really get his Old Trafford project off the ground.

While the pair would both be new to the Premier League, their bond could allow them to hit the ground running.

Which Manchester club is better for Frenkie De Jong

Which Manchester club is better for Frenkie De Jong

The two Manchester clubs look like they'll be going to battle over Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong, however United is probably the better option for him.

De Jong proved at Ajax that he can be a destructive force under his fellow Dutchman.

As such, if United could get a deal over the line for the player, it would be a brilliant way to usher in the new chapter at Man Utd.