Why FC Barcelona are desperate to offload Frenkie de Jong?

Re-entering the race for Frenkie De Jong during the summer transfer window is Manchester United. It's an incredible offer this time around. Following Erik ten Hag's arrival at Old Trafford, there have been intermittent links between the Dutchman and the Red Devils. De Jong played a key role in Ten Hag's Ajax team, which advanced to the Champions League semi finals in 2019. His old manager has been eyeing the midfield player ever since. 

But De Jong has not yet been persuaded enough to depart Barcelona. According to reports, Barcelona would prefer the money, but it's hard to move De Jong, 27, because he's got a big contract. Reports claim that Barcelona is ready to "greenlight" De Jong's eagerly awaited Catalan exit, citing reports from Spain. They are willing to offload the Dutch midfielder in order to get more depth in the wings and have Nico Williams in their minds.

Having Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee also on board and a deal reportedly in the works for De Jong's close buddy Matthijs De Ligt, Manchester United might hold an upper hand this time. The arrival of Kobbie Mainoo, however, seems to have negated the need for a No. 8 position in the Red Devils' lineup, and it's possible that there are less expensive and more relevant possibilities available.  

How much will FC Barcelona ask for Frenkie de Jong?

According to reports, Manchester United made Antony an offer as a makeweight as part of their frantic attempt to win this one. Naturally, FC Barcelona is rumored to have passed on the chance to bring the struggling Brazilian on the ship, with Lamine Yamal being their top pick for the right wing position. 

There could continue to be a long way from here even though the two clubs are eager to make a deal in theory, with the La Liga side reportedly willing to take a pay cut of just as £34 million to remove De Jong from their roster.