Liverpool are reportedly ready to make an audacious move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as early as January, according to reports coming out of Spain.
The Dutchman was linked with a move to the Premier League practically every day of the summer transfer window, with Barca having reportedly agreed a deal with Manchester United to sell the player, while Chelsea were also thought to be keen on exploring a deal.
However, De Jong’s departure forever depended on his own will, and the 25-year-old was desperate to remain in Catalonia, despite threats from the club that his current contract may be illegal, as well as plenty of fans taking to social media to tell him to leave amid Barcelona’s financial woes.
“I was calm. I decided, in May, that I wanted to stay”, De Jong later explained.
However, he has seen himself on the bench for Barcelona’s most important games this season under Xavi, and it is clear that despite his insistence on staying, all is not right between the player and the club.
“The lack of minutes has made Frenkie himself look favourably on studying an exit and a bid from the Reds could be crucial”, report Spanish outlet Sport.
And though their dream target is Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid are thought to be hot on his heels, which could force the Reds to pivot and look elsewhere. De Jong, who is keen to continue playing Champions League football, could be the answer.
