Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong is reportedly being eyed by incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who desires to reunite with the previous Ajax midfielder at Old Trafford. Ten Hag managed the 25-year-old within the Netherlands for 18 months before selling him to the Catalan giants for a staggering £65million.
De Jong has impressed on the Nou Camp in spells but has mainly struggled to fulfil his potential since moving from Holland – so Barcelona could resolve to money in on him now and bag some much-needed funds. And Express Sport takes a take a look at eight midfielders Barca could sign as an alternative.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba looks set to go away the Red Devils this summer when his contract involves an end – but his destination stays a mystery. The 29-year-old has been tipped to return to France to sign for Paris Saint-Germain. But Barca would little doubt jump at the possibility to land such a talented player on a free transfer.
Jesse Lingard
If Barcelona want players totally free, they may attempt to thrash out a deal for Pogba’s United team-mate Jesse Lingard. Lingard is similar age as Pogba and would include the additional advantage of with the ability to play further forward if needed. And his wage demands wouldn’t be anywhere near those of Pogba’s.
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Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen joined Brentford in January after his contract with Inter Milan was cancelled attributable to Serie A rules which prevent players taking to the pitch in the event that they have been fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Eriksen has impressed during his return to the Premier League but might be free to maneuver on at the top of the season. And the 30-year-old could possibly be keen to indicate he still has what it takes to perform at the highest of the sport.
Gini Wijnaldum
Gini Wijnaldum left Liverpool to affix PSG on a free transfer last summer. But his profession has stalled in France and he has struggled to keep up a daily foundation in Mauricio Pochettino’s team. Wijnaldum didn’t get on the pitch during either leg of his team’s Champions League last 16 showdown with Real Madrid earlier this yr. And the 31-year-old could possibly be tempted to leap ship if Barcelona boss Xavi comes calling.
Youri Tielemans
Speculation around Youri Tielemans’s future has been rife for months, with Leicester looking increasingly prone to lose him this summer. Arsenal and Real Madrid have each been linked with the 25-year-old – but a move to the Nou Camp could prove too alluring for the star to show down.
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Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas is currently plying his trade for Monaco after quitting Chelsea in 2019. But he’s barely played this season attributable to a string of injuries and fitness problems. The 35-year-old has already enjoyed two spells with Barca after coming through the club’s academy and will return for a 3rd time before taking over a training role in Spain.
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva is one other player who has reportedly attracted interest from Barcelona, with Xavi said to be an enormous fan of the Portugal international. Silva has already told his Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola that he wants to go away England and could possibly be the form of player who excels on the Nou Camp.
Mikel Merino
Barcelona have also been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. However the 25-year-old has three years remaining on his current contract – so the Catalans would wish to shell out the money to get their hands on him.
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