Ajax star Frenkie de Jong is reportedly keen on joining Real Madrid and is set to reject a host of big clubs including La Liga giants Barcelona in the process.
The race to sign one of Ajax’s most talented players in recent times, Frenkie de Jong had just begun, and many big clubs were expected to scramble for his signature in January. Don Balon, however, are now reporting that a possible move to Real Madrid could be on the cards, with the player keen on joining the European champions over Barcelona.
If such a move to Real Madrid is to happen, it will disappoint plenty of top European clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool and most notably Barcelona. All the aforementioned clubs held a substantial interest in the Ajax midfielder, who has excelled in his role at a relatively young age for his club, as well as the Netherlands National Side.
Barcelona, in particular, had earmarked de Jong as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, with the player also admitting that the interest from the Blaugrana was flattering. As the build-up continued for the midfielder to make a move to Camp Nou, a lot of praise was heaped on him, with some even suggesting de Jong has qualities of both Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
However, the report suggests that the Dutchman is set to join Real Madrid instead of Barcelona or any other club, and a transfer could go down in the January window. The reported price tag that Los Blancos could be paying is expected to be to the tune of €80 million that Ajax are set to demand, and the move could be announced as soon as the winter window opens.
However, Don Balon and other publications have linked de Jong moving to Real Madrid over Barcelona going by the midfielder’s social media activity. Recently the midfielder ‘liked’ two posts on Real Madrid’s official Instagram account, and if he does make his way to the Santiago Bernabeu, it will be for good reason.
Real Madrid are now on the lookout for a top quality midfielder, who could also be Luka Modric’s long-term successor. Considering Frenkie de Jong’s age and the current experience he is getting under his belt for both Ajax and Netherlands, he could come straight into Madrid’s starting lineup.
Modric flirted with the idea of leaving the club in the summer, with Inter Milan interested, although Florentino Perez made sure the star midfielder stayed put. That might not be the case come next summer or even the January window. If Perez secures de Jong’s signature, then there could be a chance that Modric could be allowed to leave the club,
As for de Jong, the future is in his hands, and it certainly looks bright for the midfielder, although only the coming months will tell where he might be heading. If the report by Don Balon is to be believed, it could be Real Madrid, although Barcelona will hope to have a say in the matter.
