France midfielder Paul Pogba is at Manchester United’s exit. Reportedly, the club is now eyeing Barcelona’s young Dutch midfielder, Frenkie De Jong.
The role of Frenkie De Jong is believed to be strong enough to replace Pogba in the midfield of the Red Devils squad. As is known, Paul Pogba’s contract at Manchester United is only valid until mid-2022. Until now there has been no sign that the French midfielder will sign a new contract.
Quoted from the club’s official website, Manchester United are still working hard to persuade Pogba to want to stay. However, there is a worst-case scenario, namely that the persuasion is rejected and Pogba will leave at the end of the 2021/22 season on a free transfer.
Even if Manchester United really want funds from his departure, the winter transfer window will be the only opportunity to sell Pogba. Even then they have to be willing to let it go at a very cheap price.
Whatever the scenario, Pogba remains on the verge of exiting as long as a new contract is not signed. Manchester United must also prepare other options to replace Pogba in midfield. The news from Bola Net, Manchester United is monitoring the situation of Frenkie De Jong. The development of the talented midfielder who graduated from the Ajax Amsterdam academy has been stagnant since joining Barcelona in 2019.
Former Liverpool, John Barnes, believes that De Jong has the quality to replace Pogba in Manchester United’s midfield. Moreover, he is still quite young, 24 years old, and can still develop.
“Frenkie de Jong would be a great signing for Manchester United. It looks like Pogba is on his way out of the club, so signing a replacement is very important,” said Barnes.
Unfortunately, Manchester United has a bad history when it comes to dealing with Ajax Amsterdam graduates. They have not found the right solution to bring out Donny van de Beek’s best potential until now.
So, there is a fear that De Jong will suffer the same fate as Van de Beek. “He has everything in terms of passing range, intensity and good attitude. Really what Manchester United need in midfield,” added Barnes.
“That was their plan with Donny van de Beek, but of course he was hindered by other players in his position who played better than him.”
“However, signing de Jong and putting him straight into the team and believing in him could be a positive thing for Manchester United as well as him.”
