The greatest barrier to Manchester United signing Frenkie de Jong might well be convincing the player to come to Old Trafford.
United have an interest in De Jong this summer and Barcelona's financial uncertainty might make the Catalan club open to a deal, but the sales pitch would have to be exceptional. The allure of a reunion with Erik ten Hag might be tempting, but United would be asking De Jong to swap Champions League football at the Nou Camp for the Europa League or Europa Conference League at Old Trafford.
What United are basically selling at the moment is a project, a promise of jam tomorrow if all goes according to plan. But De Jong is beginning to make an impression at Barca under Xavi and, even if they decide they do need to sell, there will be other Champions League offers for the 25-year-old.
