Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reportedly urged the club’s management to pursue the signing of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Reds have made a strong start to the Premier League season, sitting four points ahead of second-placed Chelsea and with a game in hand. Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp after leaving Feyenoord, could not have hoped for a better beginning to his tenure at Anfield.
Klopp left the squad in good shape, especially with the midfield being revamped during the summer transfer window. However, despite their strong performances, including topping their Champions League group, Slot still sees areas for improvement. Reports from Spain suggest that the Liverpool manager has requested the club to target de Jong.
The Dutch international has struggled with injuries and a dip in form over the past year, and Barcelona appears open to letting him go for the right price. De Jong’s situation has reportedly become a source of frustration for Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick, who has repeatedly stated that the player is not at his best and is currently not ready to start matches, with de Jong mostly used as a substitute this season.
Given that de Jong is one of the highest-paid players at Barcelona, with a contract running until 2026, the club may look to offload him to avoid losing him for nothing in the future. While Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and PSG have lost interest, Slot believes de Jong can regain his top form.
Slot has reportedly asked Liverpool’s board to initiate talks for a potential January move, but the club is reluctant to spend heavily on de Jong. Liverpool’s goal is to secure a deal for around €50 million (£41 million) or possibly less, and to convince de Jong that Anfield is the right move for him.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant notes that, unlike Manchester City, who have been affected by an injury to Rodri, Liverpool is less dependent on a single player.
