Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique wants Jurgen Klopp to sign Frenkie de Jong to complete his midfield rebuild.
Alexis Mac Allister may have arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion but more players are expected to join who will bolster the Reds’ engine room. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner’s exits have freed up space in Liverpool’s squad for summer signings.
Barcelona maestro De Jong was the subject of a transfer saga last summer when Erik ten Hag became Manchester United manager. The Dutch duo worked together at Ajax, helping the club reach the Champions League semi-final in 2019, and a reunion at Old Trafford appeared on the cards.
However, De Jong opted against a move and decided to continue starring at Barcelona under club legend Xavi Hernandez. And, speaking after securing the La Liga title last month, the 26-year-old admitted he never wanted to join the Red Devils - while verbally committing his future to Barca.
READ MORE: Liverpool pull off clever transfer deal before Declan Rice and Mason Mount fees skyrocket
READ MORE: Micky van de Ven flirts with Liverpool move in telling transfer admission
"The club was in a difficult situation and they could have sold me for a big fee,” De Jong told Dutch broadcaster NOS. “But I didn't want to go and stayed. Man United spoke with Barca, even though I wanted to stay. I want to be at Barca for as long as I can."
Despite De Jong’s comments, ex-Reds left-back Enrique believes he would be the perfect alternative to Jude Bellingham. Liverpool were listed as one of the front-runners for the 19-year-old - who signed for Real Madrid earlier this week - until boss Klopp ruled out a move in April.
At 26, De Jong is entering his peak years and Enrique has named him as the ideal signing to fix Liverpool’s midfield problems. The Spaniard also named Anfield favourite Sadio Mane as a dream addition for Newcastle United, another of his former clubs.
“For me, it could be many options, but a number eight is what we (Liverpool) need the most,” Enrique told his YouTube channel. “Obviously, Jude Bellingham is not available anymore. It would be Frenkie De Jong and, for Newcastle, it would be Mane.”
READ NEXT:
