Frenkie De Jong received advice to snub Man Utd and Chelsea for Liverpool. The Dutchman has a rather cloudy future, with Barcelona keen on offloading him.
The World Cup is a welcome distraction for many people. The timing, as poor as it is, gives many players the time to reflect on their status in the teams they play for and their future. With European leagues set to return after Christmas, there will be a clearer picture of the state of affairs for many players.
Things are shaping up for a fascinating winter transfer market. Traditionally, the January transfer window is usually not as active as the summer, but the omens portend an exciting market this time. Clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool need to bolster their squad as the challenge for honours will intensify after the Mundial.
While Manchester United is entangled in the Cristiano Ronaldo interview saga, their interest in some players continues. Since the Glazers took over, they have managed the club poorly. It explains why Frenkie de Jong decided to snub the club in the summer. The Dutchman received advice to opt for Liverpool instead.
De Jong again advised against Manchester United move
Frenkie de Jong is a solid midfielder but has not received his due flowers for his effort at Barcelona. With the Catalan giants struggling financially, a move away from the club would help stabilise the team. Premier League sides Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United have all indicated interest in acquiring the services of the Dutchman.
Recent reports suggest that Liverpool and Chelsea have approached the representatives of De Jong to sign the midfielder this January. Manchester United also pursued De Jong all summer to no avail and remains interested in landing his services. With the poor state of affairs at Manchester United, it would be a surprise for any serious footballer to head in that direction.
Meanwhile, Frenkie De Jong has been adviced that the best place for him would be Anfield. Liverpool is looking to rebuild its midfield, and De Jong seems an ideal candidate for Jurgen Klopp. While De Jong has acknowledged the advice, he says his focus is now on the World Cup for the Netherlands.
Liverpool makes De Jong a priority
Liverpool is beginning to find its range as the Anfield side has climbed up the Premier League table. They are a few points behind Manchester United, who are also in contention for the services of De Jong. With the failure in landing him this summer, United may be prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham. With Real Madrid in the fray for the Englishman, United may be fighting a lost battle.
Frenkie De Jong is on international duty as he seeks to help the Netherlands win their first-ever World Cup. De Jong is a priority for Liverpool, plagued by injuries this season. The Anfield side failed to sign a midfielder permanently in the summer and had to make do with a loan move for Arthur Melo, who is also injured.
Other players that have suffered injuries and poor form this term include Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner. The trio are over 30 years. It makes the signing of De Jong critical, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher expecting his former side to dole out massive amounts to rebuild their midfield. Carragher says he sees Liverpool spending as much as £200m on their midfield.