Man Utd and Chelsea target £21m Frenkie de Jong as Barcelona future hangs in doubt

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly considering reviving their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, valued at around £21m, according to TEAMtalk. The Dutchman's future at Camp Nou is uncertain, with his contract running until 2029, and both Premier League clubs are weighing up moves.

  • Player: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, Netherlands international)
  • Fee: Valued at around £21m by Transfermarkt
  • Interested clubs: Manchester United and Chelsea
  • Contract: Existing deal runs until 2029
  • Stage: Reports suggest interest but neither club is prioritising a move

Deal details

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are still exploring options to strengthen their midfield department and could revive their interest in De Jong if he becomes available next year. The Red Devils initially expressed interest in the Dutchman back in 2022, but he refused to leave Camp Nou at that time.

Chelsea have also expressed interest in De Jong as they are keen to finally replace Enzo Fernández. However, neither United nor the Blues are currently prioritising signing De Jong, and the player might not leave in January due to his recent persistent fitness problems.

De Jong is valued at around £21m by Transfermarkt. Any move would likely depend on his availability and the midfielder's own willingness to leave Barcelona after previously rejecting a move to Old Trafford.

Injury and availability

De Jong has been dealing with recent persistent fitness problems, which could prevent a January departure. Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte is also sidelined with a serious knee problem.

Why Man Utd and Chelsea are weighing up a move for De Jong

Manchester United's midfield has been a problem area this season. Following Casemiro's departure as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte's serious knee problem, the Red Devils decided to revamp the department by purchasing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba this summer. However, Santos has struggled to find regular game time under Michael Carrick, while Tielemans has displayed average performances so far. Baleba has just returned to full fitness after recovering from an ankle problem. United have endured a disappointing start to the season, and adding a player of De Jong's calibre could provide the control and creativity they lack.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are still looking to replace Enzo Fernández, who departed the club. The Blues have expressed interest in De Jong as a potential solution, but they are not prioritising a move at this stage. With the January transfer window approaching, both clubs may weigh up a concrete approach if De Jong becomes available, but his fitness issues and Barcelona's squad depth could complicate any deal.

At Barcelona, De Jong faces competition from Rodrigo Hernandez, Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal and Dani Olmo, raising question marks over his role in Hansi Flick's starting line-up. With his contract running until 2029, Barcelona are under no pressure to sell, but the player's uncertain future could force a decision next year.

Talking points

  • Should Man Utd prioritise signing Frenkie de Jong in January, or wait until next summer?
  • Is De Jong worth the risk given his recent persistent fitness problems?
  • Can Chelsea finally replace Enzo Fernández with De Jong, or is he past his best at 29?
  • Will Barcelona sell a player with a contract until 2029, or will they demand a higher fee?

What happens next

Both Manchester United and Chelsea will continue to monitor De Jong's situation, with the January transfer window approaching. Much will depend on his fitness and whether Barcelona are willing to negotiate. United's need for midfield reinforcements could force their hand, while Chelsea's pursuit of a replacement for Enzo Fernández remains a priority. If De Jong becomes available, expect concrete moves from either club next year.

Frequently asked questions

Are Man Utd signing Frenkie de Jong?

Not yet. Reports suggest Man Utd could revive their interest if De Jong becomes available next year, but neither United nor Chelsea are prioritising a move at this stage.

How much is Frenkie de Jong worth?

Frenkie de Jong is valued at around £21m by Transfermarkt, according to the report.

Will Frenkie de Jong leave Barcelona in January?

The report states that De Jong might not leave in January due to his recent persistent fitness problems, and Barcelona are under no pressure to sell given his contract runs until 2029.

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