Manchester United have received a clear transfer recommendation from one of their most celebrated former players, with Jaap Stam pinpointing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as the ideal January signing.
Stam's 'Dream' Signing for United
In an exclusive interview, the treble-winning defender described the Dutch international as a 'dream' signing for the Red Devils. Stam, who worked with De Jong during the player's formative years at Ajax, believes his former club should prioritise a move for the 28-year-old playmaker.
'My dream signing for Manchester United in the January transfer window would be Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona,' Stam told Covers.com. He emphasised that United must always target players who elevate the team's style of play, a quality he insists De Jong possesses in abundance.
Why De Jong Fits the United Vision
Stam provided a detailed analysis of what the Barcelona star would bring to Old Trafford. 'I've worked with Frenkie a lot when he was a youngster at Ajax and he really is someone who can make a team play better football,' he explained.
He highlighted De Jong's technical comfort on the ball, his engine to cover ground, and his creative passing as key attributes currently missing from United's midfield. The club's long-standing interest, which dates back to Erik ten Hag's arrival, is well-founded according to the United legend.
Despite this historical interest, a transfer has never materialised, even when Barcelona's financial pressures made a sale likely. De Jong has now made 282 appearances for the Catalan club since his €75 million move from Ajax in 2019.
Alternative Targets and Midfield Overhaul
Stam acknowledged that a major January signing might be difficult, with the club reportedly planning a comprehensive midfield revamp in the summer. United's shortlist has also included Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, but their valuations have proven prohibitive.
Should a move for De Jong prove impossible, Stam suggested United reignite their pursuit of Baleba. 'Elsewhere, Carlos Baleba from Brighton is a very good player and he could do well at Old Trafford,' he proposed.
The former centre-back, who made 127 appearances for United before his controversial sale to Lazio in 2001, is thinking tactically. He believes the midfield requires reinforcement, especially with interim manager Michael Carrick expected to implement a back four system, which demands an extra body in the engine room.
'I'm always looking at United's system and how I want them to play, and I believe they would become a better team with Baleba and De Jong in there,' Stam concluded, underlining the importance of the upcoming transfer decisions for the club's future.
