Bayern Munich has been tracking Ajax’s Frenkie De Jong
After recent reports from various outlets, Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed that Bayern Munich has been tracking the progress of Ajax’s Frenkie De Jong.
Frenkie De Jong is one of the most coveted young players in Europe right now. The Dutch midfielder has been attracting interest from all the top club across the continent. Bayern Munich are one keen admirer of the 21-year-old and would reportedly like to sign him in order to refresh their aging squad.
Ajax, however, want a huge fee for De Jong, and are no doubt hoping to start a bidding war among all the top clubs next summer. Speaking to Sport Bild following his team’s win over Nurnberg, Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed Bayern has been tracking the Dutch midfielder. Die Roten’s sporting director has been impressed with De Jong’s development. Interestingly, he also refused to rule out transfers in the January window.
"“I’ve known him for a long time. He has developed very well. He plays in the national team, he plays well at Ajax.“We are on some things and will try to do something. We will see if something is possible. It’s already difficult in the winter transfer window.”"
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Earlier this week, De Telegraaf claimed that Paris Saint-Germain had completed a deal to sign De Jong for €75 million from Ajax. The player insisted that he is yet to make a decision on his future, though. Salihamidzic believes that PSG will become significantly strong if they beat the European rivals for this transfer.
De Jong can primarily operate as a number eight in a three-man midfield. The Dutch international has an impressive passing range, capable of creating an attack from nothing.
The 21-year-old midfielder can also adequately operate in holding midfield. Many German reports suggest Bayern will part ways with Javi Martinez soon and replace the Spaniard with De Jong.
Bayern Munich will have to fork up a huge fee if they want to beat other clubs to De Jong’s signature. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are likely to offer a more attractive financial package than the Bavarians. Barcelona are also reportedly in the mix for the Dutch international.
Bayern are no doubt the underdogs in this race, and it will take something special for them to sign De Jong. They have a better chance to sign his Ajax teammate Matthijs De Ligt, who will get more minutes at Bayern than all other interested clubs.
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The defending German champions should be looking for some complementary signings in the January window. Niko Kovac is using Joshua Kimmich in midfield on a regular basis, so signing a right-back should be a priority for the Bavarians. Apart from a right-back, Bayern are unlikely to get a summer target in January, though, as clubs refuse to sell key players midway through the season.