Manchester United are widely expected to pursue Frenkie de Jong again next summer. However, Youri Tielemans would be a brilliant alternative to the Netherlands international – especially given how he’d be available on a free transfer. The Red Devils landed Christian Eriksen for nothing earlier this year, so repeating the trick would be a logical move for the Old Trafford heavyweights to make…
Manchester United spent the bulk of the summer transfer window pursuing a deal for De Jong, having been emboldened by the 25-year-old’s positive relationship with Ten Hag.
he Red Devils were even able to agree a fee with Barcelona for the Netherlands international, which was believed to be worth an initial £63million.
However, in the end, United missed out.
De Jong always preferred to stay at Barcelona, having grown up playing for the Catalan giants. He also feels now is their time, having enjoyed a stirring summer that saw them bring in the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen.
And Champions League football was always going to be a factor, too, with the former Ajax star unwilling to spend a year in the Europa League instead.
United’s pursuit of De Jong isn’t over entirely, however.
They’re reportedly planning on trying to land the Netherlands international in future transfer windows, too, such is Ten Hag’s desire to secure a reunion with his ex-Ajax pupil.
However, there’s still no guarantee United will end up being more successful in 2023 than they were this summer.
Therefore, Tielemans to United is a transfer deal that can’t be ruled out – especially the Red Devils’ desire to pull off more shrewd signings.
When it became apparent Eriksen would be leaving Brentford, United sensed an opportunity in the market – one that doesn’t come up too often.
They recruited the Denmark international without having to pay a fee, with the 30-year-old since becoming instantly popular over at Old Trafford.
And, with Tielemans, United have an opportunity to repeat the trick.
Many had expected the Belgium international to leave Leicester at the end of last season, especially given how his deal had just a year remaining at the time.
Arsenal were mooted as frontrunners but the Gunners, it seems, had other priorities at the time instead.
And with the north London giants making no progress on a deal for Tielemans next summer, United certainly have a chance when it comes to landing the Leicester star.
Tielemans would be a good option to rotate with Eriksen, especially given how he’s got plenty of years left in his locker at the age of 25.
Signing shrewdly is something the Red Devils are aiming to do more often in the coming years, especially given their mixed record in the transfer market.
And United could certainly do a lot worse than the Belgian, who has also been linked with a move to Newcastle.
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