Manchester United haven’t given up hope of signing Frenkie de Jong despite their failed pursuit of the Dutch midfielder in the summer.
De Jong, 25, whose contract at Camp Nou has been complicated by the club’s financial restructuring, never gave the slightest indication that he was ready to leave.
But it is understood that Ten Hag wants to review the situation this summer.
After missing out on De Jong, United instead strengthened their midfield by signing Brazilian Casemiro from Real Madrid for £70m and Christian Eriksonwhich turned out to be a shrewd free transfer arrival from Brentford.
Still, even with the influx of new arrivals last summer, Ten Hag believes De Jong would fit perfectly into his squad.
Next summer, Englishman Jude Bellingham will also have to decide his future.
Bellingham made a famous visit to United’s Carrington training ground in 2020, where he met Sir Alex Ferguson. Some of the United staff were convinced they would secure the Birmingham youngster’s services, but he eventually signed for Borussia Dortmund.
Given the opportunity, United believe they could still explain why Bellingham should join them, although every big club in the world is interested in a player who was outstanding in England’s run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, they accept that they are not. favorites in a competitive field.
After Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, finding a new striker remains a priority for Ten Hag.
PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is on United’s radar, but given the club’s ownership situation, any significant signing next month must be questioned.
