Liverpool are reportedly showing interest in Frenkie de Jong, one of the best midfielders in Europe, as they plot how best to improve on the squad that will lift the Premier League title in a few weeks.
While most supporters have their eyes set on Liverpool’s home match against Crystal Palace when they will lift and celebrate winning the league trophy at Anfield.
While celebrating a title in front of the Anfield faithful for the first time in 30 years is naturally on fans’ minds, the club has already been hard at work on summer transfer targets for months.
Arne Slot did a wonderful job with what he inherited from Jurgen Klopp with his development of Ryan Gravenberch a particularly impressive piece of coaching but we are now nearing the Dutch coach’s first major transfer window.
The former Feyenoord boss only signed Federico Chiesa last summer while Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will arrive in the off-season to replace Caoimhin Kelleher, who is set to leave the club.
Liverpool eye bargain move to sign Frenkie de Jong
According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Liverpool “have taken a firm step in its intention to strengthen its midfield with its sights set on Frenkie de Jong.”
The midfielder is out of contract next summer and so Barcelona may look to offload him this year in order to avoid losing him for free just as Liverpool are set to do with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Barca are in a fragile financial position and cannot risk losing de Jong without receiving a fee.
The report continues, saying: “The Anfield side is preparing a €40 million (£34m) offer to convince FC Barcelona to part ways with one of its technical pillars. The Dutch midfielder, who still has a contract until 2026, is one of the key players in Arne Slot’s plan for his first season in charge of the team.
“From within Barcelona, ??it’s perceived that there’s a willingness to listen to offers, especially if the financial conditions are favourable. Despite de Jong’s influence on the squad, the club’s financial situation requires considering significant transfers.
“While Liverpool aren’t the only interested party—Arsenal and City are also closely monitoring his situation—the new manager’s drive and the need to consolidate a dominant midfield could put the Merseysiders in an advantageous position.”
De Jong would be a considerable coup for Liverpool if their interest is genuine.
And for just £34m, there may not be a better value for money midfielder on the market this summer. Quite how Slot will accomodate de Jong in a midfield already featuring Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, I am not sure.
That said, Liverpool are now in the enviable position where any top talent signed exponentially improves the squad’s strength.
