What Lionel Messi said about the traits Frenkie de Jong will bring to Manchester United

29.06.2022 - 17:27 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Paris Saint-Germain sensation Lionel Messi has previously described midfielder Frenkie de Jong as a "fantastic" and "very intelligent" player ahead of his impending move to Manchester United.

As revealed by the Manchester Evening News, United have agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign the Netherlands international, following several weeks of talks. It is understood that United have agreed a €65million (£56.14m) fee with the La Liga giants, plus additional add-ons.

The midfielder — who worked with United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax — will join United subject to passing a medical. He is currently away on holiday after playing for the Netherlands in the Nations League earlier this month.

READ MORE: Manchester United agree deals to sign Frenkie de Jong and Tyrell Malacia

His impending arrival at Old Trafford will be a huge relief to Ten Hag and United's supporters, with the 25-year-old having been installed as the club's top transfer target more than a month ago. It has been a long and frustrating process, but United are now closing in on their man.

And if Messi's past comments about the Dutchman are anything to go by, he will be a signing that will have been worth the wait. That is because the PSG forward — who played with De Jong at Barcelona — waxed lyrical about him during internal discussions between himself, De Jong and former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman.

Koeman, speaking last year, told De Telegraaf: "When I arrived I told Frenkie: 'This is your second season, you have to make a step higher now, you need to do more than just play along'. This sounds cruel, but he got the message.

"I told him to take more responsibility. To arrive in the opponent's box more.

"During these conversations I also involved Messi.