Insider: Man United dealt blow in pursuit of 'incredible' Barcelona star after deal agreed
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(Credit: Imago, Getty Images)
Callum O'Connell
Thu 25 September 2025 18:30, UK
Man United have set their sights on signing a new midfielder to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad ahead of the January transfer window.
Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during their most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that Frenkie de Jong is the latest name on their list of targets.
United have been linked with a number of high-profile midfielders in recent weeks, including Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, but are still considering their options.
De Jong has been a long-term target for Man United, with constant speculation surrounding his future at Barcelona as a result of his lofty wage demands.
However, Barcelona have also been making efforts to tie him down to a new deal at the Nou Camp to deter interest from the likes of United.
Credit: Getty Images
Football Insider revealed on 10 September that Man United want to sign a midfielder as a priority ahead of the Janaury transfer window with big names on their radar.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that De Jong is a name who they have considered returning for in recent weeks.
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“Man United have tried to sign De Jong before,” he told Football Insider.
“When he was at Ajax, they had a look at him but he chose to go to Barcelona, and since then they’ve tried to sign him from Barcelona as well but could never agree a deal.
“He’s a very good player, he showed that again when he played against Newcastle, I thought he had a really good game.
“So it doesn’t come as a surprise that Man United are looking at him again, they feel he would add something in midfield which they haven’t got at the moment.
“Everybody knows Amorim wants a new midfielder and he has been one they like the look of.
Credit: Imago
“Whether they can get a deal done will depend on Barcelona, if his contract talks have delayed then maybe he could make a move and take advantage of that.
“It looks like it’ll be up to him, if he fancies a move then he’ll look at his options and Man United will be among them, but otherwise he might decide to stay at Barcelona.”
Unfortunately for United, it now appears the midfielder has made up his mind about leaving Barcelona, and it’s not good news for Amorim or his admirers.
While Man United’s interest in De Jong seemed to have been reignited in their pursuit of midfield additions, they now look set to miss out.
The Netherlands international has accepted a pay cut to remain with the Spanish giants until 2029, agreeing to extend his deal and snubbing interest from elsewhere.
[Mundo Deportivo]
De Jong remains a key player for Hansi Flick and has started four of their six games so far this season, including during Barcelona’s 2-0 win against Newcastle in the Champions League.
Credit: Getty Images
Former Man United boss Louis van Gaal labelled De Jong “incredible” for his international displays in 2022, while he was heavily linked with the switch to Old Trafford at the time.
[Metro]
However, the Red Devils look set to miss out on the midfield star yet again and will be forced to consider alternatives options to strengthen Amorim’s side.
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