The former Manchester United manager, who is now in charge of the Dutch national team, understands why a great midfielder is attracting so much attention. Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, is worth more than €100 million (£86 million/$107 million). The Netherlands international midfielder is currently under contract with La Liga champions Barcelona, but his three-year stay at the Camp Nou might come to an end as Premier League heavyweights close in. De Jong has emerged as a priority target for United as they hand over the coaching reins to ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, and Van Gaal understands why.
Van Gaal, who is now in charge of the Dutch national team, has told NOS after seeing De Jong step off the bench to help inspire a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Wales: “I already knew how important Frenkie is. I don’t need to see that any more. “Frenkie brings extra quality, that’s why he is worth €112 million.” Plenty are prepared to accept that De Jong could be worth as much as €112m (£96m/$120m) in the open market, but there has been no suggestion at present that United are willing to splash out a nine-figure sum on his services.
Multiple Reports say that United will not be giving up on their pursuit of De Jong, with the Red Devils readying themselves for another protracted transfer saga. Ten Hag is understood to be looking for at least five additions to be made to a squad that he has inherited from interim coach Ralf Rangnick. He has no Champions League football to use as a bargaining tool, on the back of a sixth-place finish in 2021-22, but United remain a side of obvious appeal to talented performers around the world.