The clock is ticking for Manchester United. There are just a few weeks left until the start of the new Premier League season, and they have still not secured the services of their top transfer target, Frenkie de Jong.
Despite United already coming to an agreement on a deal with Barcelona, the Dutch midfielder remains unwilling to leave for Old Trafford. The Red Devils still have a gaping hole to fill in midfield amid the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, so who else can they sign in case they fail in their chase for Frenkie?
SBOTOP has compiled a list of four midfielders who would be good fallback options for United should the Frenkie de Jong deal fall through.
Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Neves has proved over four seasons with Wolves that he is among the most reliable, rock-solid midfielders in the Premier League. He has missed just eight matches over four years, which is a testament to his durability.
While Neves is not the flashiest player by any means and is unlikely to pop up in too many Premier League 2022 highlights, he is a fine passer and a capable defender, a skill set that has been missing in a Manchester United midfielder for some time. And he obviously has existing relationships with fellow Portuguese internationals Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, which is another plus in his favour.
On the other hand, there are potential downsides to Neves, whose upside is not nearly as high as having Frenkie. He doesn’t fit the bill of Manchester United’s other transfer targets, who are either Dutch or played for Ajax, and he doesn’t have the experience of playing for a side that will dominate possession most of the time.
But certainly, Neves would not be a bad option to have in the squad and should compete with the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred, and Donny van de Beek for a starting spot.
Youri Tielemans, Leicester City
Tielemans reportedly has his heart set on leaving Leicester this summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. So after pipping the Gunners for Lisandro Martinez, the Red Devils might do the same with Tielemans.
Tielemans has been one of the Foxes’ most influential players over the last few years and has been a steady contributor on offence. He is also in the last year of his Leicester contract and seems ready for a new challenge in his career by moving to a bigger club, so there is unlikely to be any Frenkie-style hang-ups should United strongly pursue a deal.
But like Neves, Tielemans neither Dutch nor an Ajax graduate. Moreover, his defensive contributions have significantly fallen off through the years, much like former United midfielder Paul Pogba. So while Tielemans’ talent is undeniable and he is available for a transfer, he may not be the type of midfielder that ten Hag and Man United really need.
Fabian Ruiz, Napoli
Fabian Ruiz is a different type of midfielder to Frenkie de Jong. He’s not nearly as dynamic as the Dutchman, who is capable of popping up in either penalty area.
But Fabian is a special midfielder who could easily be playing alongside Frenkie in Barcelona’s midfield. As it stands, Ruiz is in Napoli, where he has been the focal point of their attack with his incisive passing and composure in possession.
The 26-year-old Spaniard is in the final year of his contract and has reportedly rejected an extension, so Napoli would be wise to sell him on instead of losing him on a free transfer.
While Fabian Ruiz is neither Dutch nor an Ajax alum, he is certainly a capable central midfielder who can fit in ten Hag’s system and help boost United’s Premier League 2022 odds of cracking the top four.
Teun Koopmeiners, Atalanta
Manchester United’s transfer strategy thus far this summer seems to be simply targeting players who are either Dutch or have played for Ajax, and Koopmeiners fits the former.
The Dutchman enjoyed a fine first season at Atalanta last season, scoring four goals in 30 appearances and has now become a regular international with the Oranje, playing alongside Frenkie de Jong.
Koopmeiners came up as a defensive midfielder and has drawn comparisons to former Man United midfielder Nemanja Matic. But he is more than capable of contributing in attack, and despite coming up with AZ Alkmaar, his game is quite Ajax-like with his ability to stay involved in possession.
Koopmeiners is likely to be by far the cheapest of these four midfield options. And at 24 years of age, he is also the youngest, so there is decent value to be had.
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