Transfers

Ten Hag chase to sign £68m star ‘not over yet’ at Old Trafford

By Admin / June 18, 2022

Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is not ‘over’ despite the Catalan giants receiving a financial boost in recent days, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are eager to reunite the 25-year-old with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford this summer but are making slow progress on the proposed deal.

What is the latest news involving De Jong?

A recent report by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell claimed that United’s ‘main focus’ in the early stages of the transfer window has been to secure a move for De Jong.

It’s claimed that Barca are demanding €80 million (£68m) for the Netherlands international, a figure the 20-time English champions are eager to negotiate down.

Sky Sports then disclosed that United remain in talks to sign De Jong after prioritising the acquisition of a central midfielder to kickstart their revolution under the tutelage of Ten Hag.

However, the immensely talented star has labelled the Catalan giants his ‘dream club’ and ‘the biggest club in the world’ in recent interviews, appearing to distance himself from a potential switch.

And United were handed another blow after Barca president Joan Laporta received a financial boost from the Assembly of Delegates, who approved his proposals, providing a financial boost.

Ultimately, though, Barcelona’s monetary issues have been well documented, and Xavi has previously hinted that they may be forced to sanction De Jong’s sale due to their off-field issues.

What has Romano said about De Jong?

De Jong is said to earn £400,000-per-week at the Camp Nou, a figure Romano revealed is ‘a problem’ for Barcelona in an interview with GiveMeSport.

Barca agree De Jong transfer!? Hear more on The Football Terrace…

He told GMS: “One of the points on Frenkie de Jong’s story is that we had this meeting internally at Barcelona helping the club in a financial situation for this summer, but it doesn’t mean that it’s over for Frenkie de Jong’s transfer.

“Also, because one of the points is about the salary. The salary of De Jong is a problem, as of today, for Barcelona. So, this is why the situation is still open, it’s now up to United to reach an agreement with Barca.”

Where would De Jong fit in at United?

With Paul Pogba set to depart United on a free transfer once again when his contract expires at the end of the month, the arrival of De Jong would almost directly cover that loss for Ten Hag.

The creative talent has a different skillset to Pogba but still prefers to play in the number eight role, although is also comfortable dropping a little deeper in teams that dominate possession.

If De Jong does arrive in the red half of Manchester, then Ten Hag will surely be hoping to replicate the success they had together at Ajax when they claimed a domestic double in 2018/19 while reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

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