Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged the club’s hierarchy to make another attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the upcoming January transfer window.
Ten Hag, who previously coached De Jong during their time together at Ajax, had been eager to reunite with the 27-year-old upon taking charge at Old Trafford in 2022.
Despite lengthy negotiations between the Red Devils and Barcelona, a transfer ultimately fell through, with De Jong expressing no interest in leaving the Spanish side.
The Dutch international was firm in his commitment to Barcelona, refusing to enter talks over personal terms with United. However, despite this, De Jong continues to be linked with a potential move to the Premier League club.
According to a report from Sport, Ten Hag is keen on reigniting United’s pursuit of the midfielder if he remains available come January.
De Jong, who recently returned from a long-term ankle injury, is viewed by Ten Hag as a player who could inject fresh energy into a squad that is still undergoing reconstruction.
At present, De Jong, who is valued at £50 million, is content with life at Barcelona. He is not looking to leave the club, and his current contract runs until the summer of 2026.
