Barcelona keen to offer 27-year-old star new contract amidst recent interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly set to extend the contract of Manchester United and Bayern Munich target Frenkie de Jong. The Blaugrana are said to be keen to hold on to the Dutch midfielder, with talks over a new deal in the works.
Frenkie de Jong has two years left on his current deal with the La Liga giants and recent reports have indicated that the Dutchman is holding off talks of an extension. The Netherlands international is reportedly yet to respond to Barcelona's last contract offer, made in November 2023.
His contract situation has alerted clubs across Europe, who are queuing up to nab the talented midfielder in case he fails to agree terms with Barcelona. Journalist Matteo Moretto from Relevo, however, claims that the Catalan club are keen to keep European giants Manchester United and Bayern Munich at bay and extend De Jong's contract.
The Blaugrana are reportedly offering De Jong a renewed deal with lower wages. The midfielder was the subject of transfer speculation over the summer as well.
Bayern Munich had targeted the Dutchman in the summer, but the move never materialised. Man Utd had enquired about De Jong but admitted that a move this summer was not feasible.
Manchester United targeting Barcelona midfielder to replace Casemiro
Manchester United signed Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer to bolster their midfield. However, according to reports from Team Talk, they remain interested in Barcelona's De Jong.
The speculation has intensified after Casemiro's poor start to the 2024/25 season. The former Real Madrid midfielder, who was signed for £70 million in 2022, was substituted at half-time in their most recent match.
Casemiro made two glaring errors in the first half against Liverpool, handing their arch-rivals the advantage at Old Trafford. Manager Erik ten Hag replaced him with youngster Toby Collyer for the second half.
The Premier League side and Galatasaray had reportedly agreed terms for a loan move for the midfielder this summer. The player, however, decided against it and is set to stay at the club till the January transfer window at the very least.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano issued an update on the Brazilian's future at Manchester United:
"Casemiro, currently expected to stay at Man United at least until 2025 despite links with Galatasaray move. Brazilian midfielder not planning to leave the club now, no concrete talks taking place with Gala."
Casemiro's future at Man United will be closely followed by Barcelona and De Jong, with the Dutchman a long-term target for the Red Devils.