Bayern in crosshairs: HSV legend van der Vaart backs Frenkie de Jong

In the Berlin podcast "Phrasenmäher", 43‑year‑old HSV legend Rafael van der Vaart talks about the injured 29‑year‑old Frenkie de Jong, who currently plays no role at FC Barcelona. Despite an inner‑band rupture that has kept him out of action since returning from the World Cup, van der Vaart sees the Dutchman as a potential new signing for FC Bayern Munich.

Van der Vaart explains his recommendation

Van der Vaart emphasizes that the current “time of Joshua Kimmich could eventually be a bit over”, and imagines how de Jong would strengthen Bayern’s midfield alongside the DFB captain. He points out that de Jong is on the road to recovery after his injury, but will still need some time to regain his former strength.

Last season de Jong made 38 appearances for Barcelona, scored one goal and provided eight assists. His contract runs until 2029, and the Catalan clubs, which are heavily indebted, might not be averse to a sale.

At FC Bayern there are already young midfield prospects such as Aleksandar Pavlovic (22) and Tom Bischof (21), who offer long‑term perspectives. Nevertheless, a fully recovered de Jong would strengthen any team in the world.