Arne Slot Targets Frenkie de Jong to Strengthen Liverpool Midfield | OneFootball

Frenkie de Jong Edges Closer to Liverpool Move as Barcelona Set Asking Price

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a summer move for Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona having given the green light for the transfer, according to El Nacional. As Arne Slot’s debut season at Anfield continues to exceed expectations, the addition of the Dutch midfielder could further solidify Liverpool’s dominance both domestically and in Europe.

Per El Nacional, “Deco has already given Liverpool the green light to recruit the midfielder this summer and will not stand in his way from moving to Anfield if their asking price – believed to be €40m (£33.3m, $41.3m) – is met.” This move comes as negotiations between Barcelona and de Jong over a contract extension have hit a dead end, leaving the Catalan giants looking to cash in before his contract expires in 2026.

Liverpool’s Midfield Reinforcement Plans Take Shape

Liverpool’s pursuit of de Jong signals a clear intent to reinforce their midfield, especially after missing out on top target Martin Zubimendi, who is now set to join Arsenal. Slot’s side have already achieved remarkable success this season, sitting atop the Premier League, advancing in the Champions League, and reaching the Carabao Cup final—all with largely the same squad Slot inherited from Jurgen Klopp.

While Federico Chiesa remains the only addition to the squad, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes see de Jong as the perfect fit for the Dutch coach’s playing style. His composure on the ball, ability to dictate tempo, and versatility in both defensive and attacking phases make him an ideal addition to Liverpool’s midfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Barcelona Look to Kimmich as De Jong’s Replacement

Barcelona, grappling with well-documented financial issues, view de Jong’s departure as an opportunity to balance their books. The Dutch midfielder is one of the club’s highest earners, with a weekly wage of €365,385 (£304,500). His sale not only provides financial relief but also opens the door for new recruits.

Joshua Kimmich has emerged as Barcelona’s preferred replacement for de Jong. The Bayern Munich star, who can operate as both a right-back and a holding midfielder, has ironically also been linked with Liverpool as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should the England international depart for Real Madrid. However, Kimmich’s preference for playing in midfield may see him favour a move to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona are also interested in Zubimendi, though the financial implications make that deal less likely. For now, their focus remains on securing Kimmich, who could be available on a free transfer this summer.

Uncertainty Surrounds Liverpool’s Star Trio

While de Jong’s potential arrival excites Liverpool fans, uncertainty looms over the futures of some of the club’s most iconic players. Reports suggest that Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk could all leave Anfield at the end of the season. With contract negotiations stalling, the possibility of a significant squad overhaul is very real.

Elsewhere, speculation about Alisson Becker’s future has been downplayed, with sources indicating that the Brazilian goalkeeper is unlikely to move to Saudi Arabia this summer. His continued presence will be crucial for Liverpool, particularly if key outfield players decide to seek new challenges.

Photo IMAGO

As the transfer window approaches, Liverpool’s plans are becoming clearer. De Jong’s signing would mark a statement of intent, demonstrating the club’s ambition to remain at the top under Slot’s leadership. However, ensuring the retention of key players like Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and van Dijk will be equally important in maintaining Liverpool’s current momentum.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The potential signing of Frenkie de Jong is a thrilling prospect. The Dutch midfielder’s technical prowess, vision, and ability to control games from deep would bring a new dimension to Arne Slot’s system. De Jong’s arrival would be more than just a marquee signing; it would be a testament to Liverpool’s commitment to evolving and maintaining their competitive edge.

However, the excitement around de Jong’s potential signing is tempered by the growing uncertainty surrounding some of Liverpool’s most iconic players. The thought of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, or Virgil van Dijk is unsettling. Each of these players has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent successes, and their departures would leave significant gaps both on and off the pitch.

The prospect of losing multiple key figures in one summer underscores the importance of strategic planning. While de Jong’s addition would strengthen the midfield, Liverpool’s success has been built on cohesion, leadership, and consistency across all areas of the pitch. Ensuring the retention of at least some of these core players will be vital for maintaining the club’s current trajectory.

Ultimately, de Jong’s signing could mark the beginning of a new era at Anfield—one that blends fresh talent with the club’s established stars. But to truly sustain their dominance, Liverpool must find a balance between new acquisitions and keeping their iconic players on Merseyside.