Jamie Redknapp suggests Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong could be an “amazing” signing for Chelsea this summer.
De Jong, 25, is a Holland international at the centre of a fascinating transfer saga in this window.
It’s been claimed Chelsea are currently in ongoing discussions to try sign the Barcelona star, who Manchester United previously agreed a £71million deal to sign. However, the central midfielder would reportedly prefer to join Chelsea over Man United if he’s forced to leave the Camp Nou.
Redknapp suggests De Jong for Chelsea
Sky Sports pundit Redknapp is convinced De Jong would be an excellent addition to the Premier League if he moved to England.
In fact, he suggests he could be a game changing signing for either Chelsea or Man United.
“Frenkie de Jong – who they are interested in signing from Barcelona – is one of the best midfield players in the world,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.
“I’m a massive fan of De Jong. I feel sorry for him in a way because he’s in limbo. It feels like he wants to come to London and isn’t too keen on going to Manchester. Whoever gets him, he’s a game changer for them. Chelsea certainly have problems in that area – Jorginho is not long-term in terms of his physicality.
“He’s done brilliantly and been an amazing player for Chelsea, Champions League winner and for Italy winning the European Championships, but De Jong gives them a different dimension with pace and strength, playing at the base of midfield, giving N’Golo Kante license to go and do what he wants.
“He’d be an amazing signing and a real statement of intent if they could beat Man Utd to that one.”
Midfield reshape
Redknapp does raise an interesting suggestion of deploying De Jong alongside Blues star N’Golo Kane, which does look like a formidable midfield on paper.
It would be risky to completely dismiss Jorginho, though, who started the Premier League opener last weekend. Also, it would feel wrong consistently leaving out players like Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher from the XI.
Of course, Chelsea need serious squad depth if they’re to close the gap to the teams above them in the Premier League.
Good luck to Tuchel keeping all his midfielders happy if De Jong does join, though.
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