Ex-Man Utd star reveals why club should NOT sign Frenkie de Jong with transfer damaging prospect’s career

FORMER Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has warned the Red Devils against signing Frenkie de Jong this summer.

De Jong, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since Erik ten Hag took over.

4

4

4

United tried in vain to sign him all summer in 2022, with the midfielder ultimately snubbing them even after a fee was agreed with Barcelona.

However, he is now finally open to a transfer, and several clubs are reportedly prepared to battle it out for his signature.

Man Utd are expected to re-enter the race to sign De Jong, but Silvestre has warned that signing him could hinder Kobbie Mainoo's development.

The ex-United star told : "If a player like Frenkie de Jong is available, he should be considered. But again you look at Kobbie and we talked about Scott, and we have Casemiro here.

READ MORE ON MAN UTD

FER REAL?

Fergie's TV interview abruptly cut short after he 'breaks Sky presenter's heart'

FAB £30

Get £30 in FREE BETS when you place any amount on any sports market with Sky Bet

"Will De Jong be an upgrade? Of course. Ahead of Kobbie but if you want to continue developing Mainoo and give him the time, I don't think De Jong should come in."

He added: "If you qualify for the Champions League, then signing De Jong makes sense. You have to consider him for sure.

"He's a top player but putting him in a midfield where the manager likes to play with two defensive midfielders, if you play with three, it could be a different proposition.

"So the answer is yes, do consider him."

Most read in Football

ARSENAL 3 MONACO 0

Saka on the double as Gunners jump up to third in Champions League table

JUVENTUS 2 MAN CITY 0

Prem flop's stunner leaves Pep Guardiola's side facing elimination

LOST RED RUBIES

Qataris' 'Project Ruby' plan that 'would've fixed Man Utd in THREE DAYS'

LEON IN WAIT

Man Utd 'identify £4m star from little-known league' as Amorim's first signing

FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

4

Chelsea are also understood to be interested in signing De Jong.

They are allegedly prepared to table a bid worth up to £85m for the Dutchman.

Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed an interest in signing him.

The Dutchman joined Barcelona in a £64m transfer from Ajax in 2019 and has since made 206 first team appearances.