Manchester United have turned their attention away from Liverpool target Frenkie de Jong, according to reports. That isn’t necessarily good news for the Reds.
This comes from the Mirror. They claim that Manchester United have switched their attention away from Frenkie de Jong and now want to sign Jude Bellingham in 2023.
United spent most of 2022 trying to sign De Jong from Barcelona. Bellingham promises to be the most sought-after midfielder of next year, however, and they wish to position themselves in that race.
That means giving up on De Jong, who remains in Catalonia. The whole thing should have consequences for Liverpool.
Man United, Liverpool and Frenkie de Jong
There is plenty of talk that Liverpool want Bellingham. Sport Bild reported just today, in fact, that the Reds held an internal meeting about their interest. There’s now £100m set aside for a transfer.
But the Reds supposedly want De Jong, too. That’s the line from ESPN, who believe Liverpool could try for a January transfer. Barcelona’s exit from the Champions League might just work in their favour.
United not wanting to push for De Jong might even make Liverpool the favourites. The only question from there is how it affects their Bellingham pursuit.
Signing both would be expensive, of course, but it’s not entirely impossible. James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all out of contract next summer, freeing up wages and squad room for two major midfield signings.
It’s also abundantly clear that Liverpool could use two such transfers. Transforming their team with the next generation of midfielders would firmly get things back on track.
But signing both is highly unlikely. Signing either will be tough, such is the competition, and Liverpool might see an opportunity here to push for De Jong while others focus elsewhere.
He’s certainly an ‘extraordinary’ player, in the words of Xavi, and one we’d love to see at Anfield.
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