Medical confirmed: Manchester United set to welcome the signing of £70m midfielder, jersey number confirmed as medical team on standby to welcome united third signing

After failing to secure a deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United has reignited their interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong. The Red Devils are on the lookout for a defensive midfielder who can partner with Kobbie Mainoo in a double-pivot midfield system.

Negotiations with PSG fell through as the French club demanded a fee that would recoup what they had paid Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte last summer. However, United refused to meet the high asking price, especially considering the limited playing time Ugarte has seen since joining PSG.

Manchester United has already made significant investments this transfer window, bringing in players like Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro to strengthen their squad. But with the looming pressure of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, the club must be strategic in its spending as it continues to reinforce its team.

According to English journalist Michael Plant (via Fichajes), Manchester United is now turning to Frenkie De Jong as a potential alternative to Ugarte. The club had previously pursued De Jong two summers ago when Erik ten Hag first took charge, but negotiations stalled due to Barcelona’s high valuation of the player. United eventually settled for signing Casemiro instead.

This time around, United could potentially secure De Jong for a much lower fee, somewhere between £30 million and £40 million. Barcelona, grappling with ongoing financial issues, might be willing to accept a lower offer for the Dutch midfielder.

Standing at 1.81 meters, De Jong is a highly versatile defensive midfielder, capable of playing in various positions. The 27-year-old has experience operating as a number six, number eight, and even as a center-back when needed.

Known for his combative nature and excellent game-reading abilities, De Jong excels at making crucial tackles and interceptions. His proficiency in both aerial and ground duels, combined with his ability to use his body positioning effectively, makes him a formidable presence on the field.

However, De Jong’s true strengths lie in his technical and playmaking abilities. He is known for his highly accurate passing and his ability to dictate the tempo of a match. De Jong’s skill in varying his passes, often with a progressive intent, allows him to help build attacks from deep positions.

His ability to carry the ball forward and maintain possession under pressure makes him a difficult player to dispossess. While De Jong fits the profile of the player Manchester United is seeking, his high salary could pose a significant challenge for the club as they work within their financial constraints.