Four Frenkie de Jong transfer alternatives for Manchester United to explore

Frenkie de Jong is one of Manchester United’s primary transfer targets this summer. Erik ten Hag wishes to improve his midfield department, and the pair have worked together in the past while at Ajax.

The Dutchman is currently contracted to Barcelona after joining the Spanish giants in 2019. However, the Catalan club are experiencing financial issues at the moment, and they could be forced to sell in order to balance their books.

Despite the possibilities of a move, De Jong seems reluctant. He has expressed his desire to remain at the Camp Nou on more than one occasion, so who could the Red Devils target instead?

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Fabian Ruiz (Napoli)

Fabian Ruiz is the first option United could consider, and he could be attainable once the window opens considering his current contract is due to expire next summer.

The Spaniard has just finished his fourth campaign with Napoli. During his period at the club, he’s operated in a number of different midfield positions while scoring an impressive 18 Serie A goals in the process, with none of those originating from the penalty spot.

Ruiz has experience as a wide midfielder, as a no.8 and as a no.6. Now 26 years-old, he could be about to showcase his prime years of performance, and he’s also left-footed which makes him less common in comparison with his peers.

For a reasonable price, Ruiz could make a big difference.

Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta)

Teun Koopmeiners is a player who has emerged as quite a talent in recent times. He initially showcased his potential as captain of AZ Alkmaar, performing on a regular basis in the Eredivisie and scoring a fair amount of goals from midfield.

The Dutchman took penalties which boosted his numbers, but perhaps that offers an insight into his authority over his teammates at the time. Koopmeiners turned 24 years-old around three months ago and he’s currently contracted to Atalanta in Serie A, having moved from AZ for around £12m last season.

He’s a physical presence at around 6-foot-1, and he’s typically progressive in possession much like De Jong, who he’s accustomed to playing alongside when on international duty.

Koopmeiners’ contract until 2025 could inflate his price, but he looks destined to keep evolving in the coming years.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Perhaps the most obvious alternative to De Jong is Youri Tielemans. Premier League fanatics will be well aware of his ability based on his showings for Leicester City.

The Belgian international has just one year left on his contract, with the Foxes likely to sell this summer rather than losing him for free in 12 months. Now 25 years-old, he’s at the perfect age for a big transfer and he’s also accustomed to English football, meaning no bedding in period should be required.

Tielemans is composed and progressive on the ball, inclined to nick a goal, and has experience as a no.8 and as a no.6. If he was to move to Manchester, he would offer solutions – much like De Jong – to United’s struggles when building from the back.

There appears to be little risk attached to signing the Belgian international.

Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Dortmund)

Another player who has a contract which is due to expire in 2023 is Mahmoud Dahoud of Borussia Dortmund. The German international has just experienced his most involved season since moving to BVB in 2017.

At the time, Liverpool were reportedly interested in his services, but he ended up choosing Dortmund. Injuries have largely prevented him from reaching his top level in the Bundesliga, but he could be over the worst of his setbacks.

He made more starts in the German top-flight this term than in any of his previous four seasons. Dahoud is inclined to move things forward on the ball, he’s cool when in possession and he’s also inclined to dribble more often than many of his midfield peers.

On his day, few can compete with him, although United should be mindful of how often those days come about. As a wildcard option, he has enough quality to be worth considering.