AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 4: Frenkie de Jong of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax v NAC Breda at the Johan Cruijff Arena on February 4, 2018 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Barcelona are close to signing their first player this summer

Barcelona have finally pinned down a centre-back to reinforce the squad for next season. Frenkie de Jong has been on Barça’s radar for a long time, but the club is finally solidifying their interest in the 21-year old Dutch centre-back.

The young starlet was brilliant for Ajax last season, starring both in defence and midfield, contributing with a goal and 7 assists in 25 appearances in all competitions. He has a lot of potential, and can become a world-class player in the future.

De Jong has brilliant passing, and good dribbling skills for a defender. He is a strong tackler, and is dangerous from outside the box. The youngster is the perfect successor for the 32-year old Gerard Piqué, who also has an attacking mindset. The Dutchman’s versatility is also a good attribute.

The club will open negotiations with Ajax after the World Cup starts. When Robert Fernández was at the club and was assisted by Raül Sanllehí, the club planned to move for De Jong in the summer of 2019. Pep Segura had also agreed to this.

But Segura has recognised the need for a squad right-footed European centre-back in the squad and has also acknowledged that De Jong would move to the Premier League if the club did not act fast.

This is going to be the Éric Abidal-Ramón Planes partnership’s first real challenge, where they would have to negotiate with another club for a player from the start. The transfer is expected to cost the club around €30-35 million.