"Any team will be lucky to have him" - Ryan Babel wants Liverpool to sign Barcelona midfielder

Former Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel believes his former side should sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong. He believes the Dutchman will be a good fit at Anfield.

De Jong impressed for Ajax, helping them reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final in the 2018-19 season. He then joined Barcelona that summer and has been exceptional since. He's made 267 appearances for them, scoring 19 goals and providing 24 assists.

In an interview with Bet365scores, Ryan Babel said that his compatriot will be a good signing for the Merseysiders. He said (h/t ECHO):

"I think Frenkie de Jong is a Barcelona midfielder who can add a lot to Liverpool, he's a world-class player, and any team will be lucky to have him, I hope to see De Jong with Liverpool one day."

De Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in 2023, but he chose to stay at Barcelona. Moreover, he is set to sign a new contract with the Spanish giants, telling the media ahead of the Netherlands' clash against Malta on October 9:

"We are very close. If there's real news, you'll hear about it, but I can't say anything for now."

De Jong's current contract with the Blaugrana will expire in 2026.

Former Liverpool star tells Barcelona they must sell a player to improve

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Barcelona must sell Ronald Araujo to improve their team. He criticized the centre-back after he was at fault in Barca's 4-1 defeat at Sevilla in LaLiga on October 5. It marked their first league defeat of the season.

The Liverpool legend said about Araujo:

“Every time Barça faces an elite opponent, he switches off and that is costing them dearly. If Barça want to do well, they must sell him with complete confidence. I like the attitude Araujo brings to games, but there comes a point where passion is not enough. Defending at this level is about decision-making, not just tackling. And that’s where Araujo has a deficit that ends up hurting his team at decisive moments and games in the season."

Araujo, 26, joined Barca from Boston River in 2018. He's faced some injury issues but registered 182 appearances for the Spanish giants.

Hansi Flick's side, meanwhile, are second in LaLiga after eight games, two points behind leaders and arch-rivals Real Madrid. They will next face Girona at home on October 18.

About the author

Aditya has been working as a European football journalist and editor for Sportskeeda for close to 4 years. He boasts a total experience of over 7 years, and always aims to inculcate proper context in his articles, making the most of his prior stints in writing and marketing across a number of different industries over the years. He has also played football at college level for 2 years.

A B.Tech. graduate, Aditya's journey as an ardent football fan began after watching the elegant maestro Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final. He has been a fan of Tottenham Hotspur's front foot and creative football since 2008 and connect's with the club's underdog status.

Aditya, who is a Sportskeeda 'Long-form Editor of the Month' award winner, is a big admirer of Luka Modric's elegant and hard-working style of play. His favorite manager is Carlo Ancelotti because the Italian allows his players enough freedom in an age where micromanagement is the established norm.

Aditya feels Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala could replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their incredible collective potential. In his free time, he likes to read classical fiction, travel to places, and explore a variety of foods.

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Edited by Aditya Singh