Bayern Munich revive interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong
The midfield department at Bayern Munich will undergo changes in the summer. The Bavarian club has been linked with several midfielders throughout the season. After Bayern’s failed pursuit of Joao Palhinha last summer, it looks certain that a new defensive/holding midfielder will arrive in Bavaria when the window opens in June.
The record Bundesliga champions have turned their attention to one of their old midfield targets. According to Relevo in Spain, Bayern have revived their interest in FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder was heavily linked with Die Roten when he was leaving Ajax in 2019.
De Jong can play as a number six and eight to good effect. However, he is not a robust defensive midfielder that Bayern were looking to sign last summer in Joao Palhinha. From a sporting point of view, De Jong will be a strange midfield signing unless there are multiple departures at Rekordmeister.
The financial aspects of a possible deal for De Jong make this transfer complex for Bayern. The Dutch midfielder is one of the highest earners at FC Barcelona. Die Roten will have to offer him an expensive contract, which may hurt the wage structure at the club.
Moreover, Frenkie de Jong is not interested in leaving Barcelona. Manchester United had agreed a fee with Barcelona in 2022 for De Jong, but they struggled to reach an agreement over personal terms. Bayern will also face similar problems despite Relevo reporting that Barcelona are open to listening offers for the Dutch midfielder.
Considering all factors involved in the deal for De Jong, Bayern will be wise to explore deals for other midfield targets. They have been heavily linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, while there is reported interest in Everton’s Amadou Onana. One of these midfielders will be a better long-term signing for Bayern than De Jong.
Bayern are expected to hold talks with Joshua Kimmich at the end of the season. The German midfielder’s comments after the win against Arsenal suggest that all is not well between him and Bayern. His contract expires at the end of next season. Leon Goretzka’s future at Die Roten is also far from certain.
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Meanwhile, Relevo also confirmed Bayern’s interest in Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo to strengthen the defense. However, there have been no talks between the two clubs for the Uruguayan defender. The record Bundesliga champions wanted to sign Araujo during the winter transfer window. Araujo's versatility in defense makes him an attractive transfer target for Bayern.