Frenkie de Jong: Liverpool face same problem as Man Utd in midfielder hunt

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 26 Nov 2022 08:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool have been linked with a surprise move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who spent much of the summer transfer market as a player hotly associated with rivals Manchester United.

The Red Devils continue to be associated with the Netherlands international, although it appears they have turned their thoughts towards other midfield options, including Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Competition for these players, though, is liable to be intense. Liverpool and Chelsea are among the teams looking at the England pair, in the case of the Reds particularly Bellingham, and other options are being studied.

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According to Fichajes, De Jong is a player who has caught the eye of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is looking for someone who can come into the midfield and make an impact both immediately and in the longer term.

The German is said to “like De Jong a lot”.

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Liverpool can clear De Jong hurdles

Liverpool’s problems with regards signing De Jong, though, will be similar to those that Manchester United experienced last summer.

Although Barcelona’s financial position is poor, they bargained hard in the transfer market and showed an ability to not back down even when it appeared they must. Nevertheless, they are said to want €75 million for the player

More of an issue could be De Jong himself. The Netherlands international has, apparently against the odds, re-established himself as a key figure in the Barcelona starting XI, despite being shunted into a central defensive position in the summer. He is a player that head coach Xavi appears to hold in the very highest regard and does not want to sell.

On the flip side, De Jong’s contract remains a sticking point, with the player yet to agree on a wage package in line with the club’s new structure.

In combination with Barcelona’s difficult financial position, this could act as a catalyst for De Jong to move.

There are undoubtedly obstacles in Liverpool’s way, just as there were for Manchester United in the summer, but if they really want De Jong, they are not insurmountable.