Liverpool have thrown themselves somewhat casually into the battle for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s eternal favourite. The Dutch manager’s great regret is that he was unable to bring De Jong to Old Trafford when he completed the transfer from Ajax.
Barcelona and Liverpool are already said to be talking about a swap deal that would include the Dutch midfielder.
At the same time that both Manchester United and Liverpool are knocking on the door, information has emerged about which Premier League club Frenkie de Jong dreams of playing for.
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The 27-year-old – who is reportedly the highest earner in La Liga at the moment – has been linked with a surprise swap deal that would send him to Anfield. According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, Barca are considering going for Liverpool star Luis Diaz, which suits manager Arne Slot, who would rather not meet Diaz at a Premier League competitor.
Barca are keen to use De Jong as part of a possible swap deal.
The midfielder spoke about which Premier League club he wanted to go to before joining Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 – and it wasn’t Liverpool.
De Jong grew up watching Arsenal games with the likes of Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp.
He wanted to take what he called the “Marc Overmars route”, which went from Ajax to Arsenal to Barcelona, and also spoke of his admiration for former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
He told Dutch Voetbal International: “In my mind I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona. Call it the Marc Overmars route. I actually thought Arsenal was quite beautiful.
Marc Overmars, Nicolas Anelka and Dennis Bergkamp in action for Arsenal –
“But yes, if you can go directly to Barcelona, then you are exactly where you want to be.
“The football that Barcelona plays, the players who have been here, who are still here… Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets. I saw that midfield.
“Then there is Lionel Messi, the very best in the world, my idol. Camp Nou, stadium.
“Add all this together and it’s not complicated why many young lads choose Barcelona or Real Madrid as their club of choice.”
While Arsenal are in a much better position to attract talents like De Jong at the moment, they are not believed to be targeting more midfielders and a move to Liverpool could be more likely – if the Dutchman has any intention at all of leave Barca.
