Ruud Gullit: Frenkie de Jong is a 'realistic option' for Liverpool
Ruud Gullit has claimed that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is a 'realistic option' for Liverpool. The Dutchman, valued at around £30m by Transfermarkt, could be targeted next year as the Reds look to strengthen their midfield following Curtis Jones's sale to Inter Milan.
- Who: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
- Linked to: Liverpool and Manchester United
- Valuation: Around £30m (Transfermarkt)
- Quote source: Ruud Gullit, via TEAMtalk
- Context: Liverpool sold Curtis Jones to Inter Milan this summer
- Key condition: De Jong must recover from persistent fitness problems and play regularly
What was said
"Frenkie De Jong is a realistic option again for Liverpool or Manchester United if he can get fit after Rodri joined Barcelona. The first thing Frenkie De Jong needs to do is get fit because now he has competition from Rodri at Barcelona."
"It all depends on what the team needs but Frenkie is a great player, a fantastic player, but the most important thing is that he needs to play. He needs to play for the national team but it's important for himself too."
Gullit's comments frame De Jong as a player whose talent is not in question but whose availability is. The 29-year-old has struggled with fitness issues, and the arrival of Rodri at Barcelona has added competition for places. Gullit believes that once De Jong proves his fitness, a move to Liverpool or Manchester United could materialise.
He also highlighted the importance of regular football for De Jong's international ambitions, suggesting the midfielder needs to be playing week in, week out to remain in the Netherlands picture. That need could make a transfer more attractive for all parties.
Injury and availability
Frenkie de Jong has suffered from persistent fitness problems, according to the source. Gullit stressed that the midfielder's first priority must be to get fit and play regularly. No specific injury or return timeline is provided.
Why Liverpool might need De Jong
Liverpool chose not to sign a new midfielder this summer despite selling Curtis Jones to Inter Milan. That decision has left Andoni Iraola with a relatively thin set of options in the deeper midfield positions. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni are the current choices. Endo has found himself on the periphery in recent years, while Nyoni is still very young and his game time must be managed carefully. Gravenberch played a key role in Liverpool's 2024/25 Premier League title win but has been displaying average performances in recent months. That combination makes the engine room a clear area for investment next year.
Frenkie de Jong would offer a technically gifted box-to-box presence, comfortable in a deep-lying playmaker role and even capable of filling in at centre-back. His valuation of around £30m makes him an attractive proposition for a club of Liverpool's stature. At 29, he is experienced at the highest level and would provide an immediate upgrade in quality and composure.
Manchester United could also sign De Jong, but they have recently revamped their midfield by purchasing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba this summer. That spending spree makes another move for a central midfielder unlikely, leaving Liverpool as the more plausible destination if De Jong does leave Barcelona.
The numbers
- Valuation: Around £30m (Transfermarkt)
- Age: 29
- Liverpool's midfield options: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni
- Manchester United summer midfield signings: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba
- Liverpool summer departure: Curtis Jones to Inter Milan
Talking points
- Is a 29-year-old with fitness problems really the answer to Liverpool's midfield issues, or should they target a younger, more durable option?
- If De Jong can't get fit at Barcelona, what makes anyone think he'll stay fit in the Premier League's intensity?
- Would De Jong even start ahead of Mac Allister or Gravenberch when everyone is available? He's not guaranteed a spot.
- Manchester United's summer spending on midfielders means they're out, but could another club hijack Liverpool's interest?
What happens next
Liverpool will continue to monitor Frenkie de Jong's fitness and form at Barcelona. The midfielder's priority is to recover and play regularly, with Rodri now competing for his position. Any concrete approach from Liverpool is likely to come next year, as the source states, but the coming months will be crucial in determining whether De Jong proves he can stay fit and force a move. Liverpool's need for a midfielder remains, and with limited reliable options in the squad, the club's recruitment team will be assessing their next step carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Is Frenkie de Jong joining Liverpool?
No, not yet. Ruud Gullit says De Jong is a 'realistic option' for Liverpool, but no deal is in place. Any move would likely come next year.
How much would Frenkie de Jong cost?
Transfermarkt values him at around £30m. The source does not mention any transfer fee negotiated between clubs.
Why does Frenkie de Jong need to leave Barcelona?
Gullit says De Jong faces competition from Rodri at Barcelona and needs to play regularly to stay in the Netherlands squad. A move could help him get more minutes.
Related Articles
Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home
