Bayern Munich ‘turn their attention to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong’ after pulling out of the race to sign £100m-rated Declan Rice
Frenkie de Jong is attracting interest from Bayern Munich after the German champions pulled out of the running to sign West Ham skipper Declan Rice.
The Bavarians are looking to get their summer business done quickly in Thomas Tuchel’s first transfer window with the club and have already announced the signings of Konrad Laimer and Raphaël Guerreiro.
Despite acquiring the midfielder Laimer on a free transfer, Tuchel is still keen to add quality in the position and has identified Barcelona’s De Jong as the ideal candidate, according to Footmercato.
The 26-year-old has at times endured a difficult spell in Spain since his 2019 arrival from Ajax, though much of the unrest has not been of his own doing. The Netherlands international has turned in consistent performances but financial issues affecting the club have left him on the chopping block.
That reality came to a head last summer with a transfer saga that nearly ended in a reunion with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Manchester United but the midfielder, determined to fulfil his dream of succeeding at Barcelona, proved too stubborn to budge.
Frenkie de Jong played a key role and featured 33 times in Barcelona’s La Liga winning season
Thomas Tuchel is looking to revamp the Bayern squad in his first transfer window with the club
Having withstood pressure from even within the club to leave last year, a transfer to Bayern now seems remote, particularly after he enjoyed arguably his best campaign for Xavi’s side, who clinched their first La Liga title in four seasons.
De Jong played 33 games, many of them alongside Sergio Busquets, as Xavi hit on a winning midfield box, spearheaded by the exciting young homegrown duo of Gavi and Pedri.
Busquets’ departure to Inter Miami has left the door open for Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan to partner the Dutchman in the devastating system next term.
Regardless, Bayern are ready to test Barcelona’s resolve and push for a spectacular deal. Failing that, the club have also looked at City midfielder Kalvin Philips, according to Bild.
The ex-Leeds man struggled for game time in Manchester last season following his £42million transfer and, despite being part of the Citizens’ treble winning roster, the German club, who have a strong relationship with the player’s agency, believe they could pry him away from the European champions.
Kalvin Phillips started just two Premier League games last season after his Leeds £42m move
