Liverpool Linked with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong: Ruud Gullit Calls Midfielder a ‘Realistic’ Summer Target

Gullit Backs Anfield Move for Dutch Playmaker

Former Netherlands midfielder Ruud Gullit believes Liverpool could genuinely pursue Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutch pundit describing a switch to Merseyside as a realistic prospect. Speaking in a recent interview, Gullit said the 29-year-old could also appeal to Manchester United, provided he regains full fitness.

Gullit pointed to the arrival of Rodri at the Camp Nou as a key factor, noting that De Jong now faces stiffer competition for a place in Barcelona’s midfield. In his view, regular football matters most for the player, both at club level and for the national team.

Why Liverpool Could Need Midfield Reinforcements

The Reds sold Curtis Jones to Inter Milan this summer but did not bring in a replacement. Andoni Iraola therefore has Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni to call upon in deeper roles.

Endo has drifted towards the fringes in recent seasons, while Nyoni is still a teenager whose minutes must be managed carefully. Gravenberch was central to the 2024/25 Premier League title triumph, yet his form has dipped in recent months. That leaves room for another option in the engine room.

De Jong’s Profile and Potential Fee

De Jong is a technically gifted box-to-box midfielder who is equally comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker, and he has even featured at centre-back. Transfermarkt values him at roughly £30m, which would represent a sensible outlay for a player of his pedigree. Persistent fitness problems remain the obvious concern.

Manchester United Unlikely to Compete

United have been mentioned as another possible destination, but having added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba this summer, they appear well stocked in the middle of the park. That could leave Liverpool with a clearer run should they decide to move.

Our Take

Adding De Jong would give Liverpool a calmer, more press-resistant presence in midfield, and the reported valuation looks modest. Whether the club act next year remains to be seen, but the idea has merit if his body holds up.