Barcelona could be forced to go against Frenkie de Jong wishes after Man Utd bid - The Mirror

Manchester United have previously chased Frenkie de Jong and Barcelona's current situation could leave the Red Devils in a strong position to return for the Dutchman

Barcelona's financial situation could leave them unable to register new signing Dani Olmo, and that could work in Manchester United's favour.

The Spain star completed a £60million move after tasting Euro 2024 success with the national side. As things stand however, the star may not be unable to start the new season with the Catalan club.

News outlet Cadena SER suggest that Barca are at risk of being unable to register Olmo and other players if they fail to solve the financial problems that have seen La Liga cut their salary allowance. The club have a €100million (£85m) hole in their 2023/24 accounts after failing to receive funds owed from the 'levers' they actioned to raise money in 2022.

Outside of finding new avenues to raise the money, the simplest way to get back on track and also reduce the wage bill simultaneously is to sell players. That could leave Frenkie de Jong vulnerable.

The Dutch midfielder's deal expires in 2026 with no negotiations underway over fresh terms. It has been been said that Barcelona may be willing to part ways with the player for £51m, short of the £65m they spent in 2019.

De Jong is keen to remain at Camp Nou however. "Staying at Barca? Yes, I’m very happy in Barcelona with my family, for sure," De Jong said. "Hansi Flick wants me to be key. I talked to him. It was good."

Manchester United could offer Barcelona a boost as landing a midfielder remains their priority. De Jong, who worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, has previously been a target for the Red Devils.

United's boss has even revealed how he planned to utilise the 27-year-old. "It would have been Frenkie de Jong and Casemiro [in the middle]," Ten Hag revealed to Gary Neville. "They would really be connected with each other. They would be really complementary to each other. That's a typical player. If you want to play the Ajax style, you need that type of player."

United announced the signing of two other ex-Ajax stars on Tuesday. Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui completed their respective transfers from Bayern Munich as the club reinforced its defence. The club have also signed Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, with the centre of midfield the key position they have yet to strengthen.

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