Erik ten Hag could finally secure 'dream' Frenkie de Jong signing for Man Utd as £325m decision made

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could secure his dream signing next summer after a decision involving La Liga giants Barcelona.

Ten Hag completed four permanent summer transfers this summer, with three of those being key players Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

But there have been concerns over United's midfield since the opening day 1-0 win over Wolves, when Mount and Bruno Fernandes often left Casemiro alone to battle Wolves' midfield trio after pushing forward into attack.

One player that may have helped to solve that problem is Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, who was a top target for Ten Hag last summer.

But despite United's attempts to coax the Netherlands international midfielder away from Camp Nou, he stayed put.

However, the club could now return for De Jong after a decision made that involves Barcelona - and their finances.

La Liga have informed each of their 20 clubs about their squad spending limits for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

Real Madrid, as expected, lead the way with a total cap of €727 million for the season.

But Barcelona are comfortably behind them, and have a total spending limit of €270 million - a considerably lower number in comparison and a smaller amount than Atletico Madrid.

The club's financial issues are well known, and Barca Blaugranes add that the spending limit, in comparison to last season, has been reduced from €648 million - a drop of €378 million (around £325 million).

As a result, Xavi's side may need to sell players in the upcoming transfer windows in order to quickly reduce their salaries.

And United could target De Jong, with the Manchester Evening News claiming that signing the Dutch midfielder to play alongside Casemiro would be a 'dream' for Ten Hag.

Convincing the 25-year-old to join, however, may not be an easy task.

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Topics: La Liga, Barcelona, Manchester United, Premier League, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Frenkie De Jong

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.