Manchester United join race to sign highly rated Ajax youngster
Manchester United look ready to lock horns with Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Ajax sensation Frenkie De Jong.
According to The Sun, Manchester United sent scouts to watch Frenkie De Jong’s performance for Holland against France earlier this month.
Ed Woodward opted not to pursue a couple of ball playing centre halves in the summer transfer window but the decision has left him under such scrutiny that he may be tempted to go in hard for de Jong in January.
Although he won’t come cheap, his tender years would offer Woodward some self-justification in comparison to signing the likes of Toby Alderweireld who is eight years his senior.
A club source told the Sun:
"“The club decided to take a look at him as they have been getting rave reviews from elsewhere. Jose and the staff like the look of him. He can play in a few different roles and he looks comfortable wherever, which is a big plus.”"
Capturing the highly coveted signature would be a real coup and would certainly see the chairman back in the good books of both the fans and the gaffer.
The player
Frenkie plays with a poise and savvy that belie his young age. Although he spent the majority of his formative years at Willem II, he epitomizes the ‘Total Football’ approach advocated by Ajax.
He is daring, versatile, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and a wellspring of creativity. The adroit Dutchman can play in a back three, a back four, as an anchor, or in a double pivot.
The competition
From PSG to Manchester City, de Jong’s name has been linked to almost all of football’s elite clubs; but the two sides most earnestly courting the youngster seem to be Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.
Both of the aforementioned club’s have longstanding and healthy relationships with Ajax. The Barca/Ajax link hardly needs to be spelled out – the former’s whole ideology instilled by Amsterdammers Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels.
Barca are not shy to splash the cash these days and the youngster’s velcro touch and impeccable passing range make him a natural fit. He would offer respite for Sergio Busquets with a view to eventually replace the Catalan.
Tottenham’s links with the Dutch side also run deep. Vic Buckingham, who spent his entire playing career at Spurs, initially drew the blueprint for Michels’ revolutionary style and the current Spurs first team boasts four former Ajax stars.
Based on recent performances Mauricio Pochettino must be yearning for a metronomic midfielder in the mold of de Jong. There is no carbon copy replacement for the Mousa Dembele but de Jong is a maverick in his own right who would bring similar attributes to the team.
Like Dembele, Frenkie provides constant outlet for his defenders. He is a natural dribbler with a penchant to surge forward through the middle. On top of that, he jinks and turns in an unorthodox yet graceful manner to find space in congested areas. Of course, he doesn’t possess the strength of the Belgian but has a much superior armory of passing.
The chances
Ajax are playing in their first Champions League for four years and won’t want to part with one of their star players mid-season; however, it is common knowledge that the pastures of Amsterdam simply act as an institute for fledgling talent before they head abroad.
Good news for English suitors is that de Jong is reportedly keen on a Premier League switch. But if it was to come down to a direct choice between Tottenham and United, one could surmise de Jong may opt for the former.
Working under the tutelage of Pochettino rather than Jose Mourinho seems preferable for any young star; moreover, De Jong has stated he wants to develop as a midfielder. This wish would almost certainly be granted at Spurs; while, his quickest route into the United team would be at the back.
Next. Moura deserves some blame for Kane's slump. dark
One thing that seems certain is that De Jong has a dazzling future ahead of him and that it will take place away from the Eredivisie; but which foreign club has the most pulling power remains to be seen. The Frenkie de Jong tug of war looks set to commence in January and United will be one of the giants flexing their muscles.