Eric ten Haag “convinces Frankie de Jong that his future lies at Old Trafford, as the midfielder can realize his full potential as part of Man United’s return to glory days” … but the club has not yet agreed deal with Barcelona
- Frankie de Jong is emerging as a summer transfer priority for Manchester United
- It was initially thought that the midfielder did not want to move to Old Trafford.
- But new boss Eric ten Haag has reportedly successfully changed the star’s decision
- United have not yet negotiated a deal with Barcelona and an offer of £ 60 million has been rejected
By Isabel Baldwin for Mailonline
Posted: 09:24, 12 June 2022 | Updated: 09:41, 12 June 2022
Manchester United boss Eric ten Haag has reportedly convinced Frankie de Jong that his future is at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old is set as a priority goal for the Red Devils during the summer window, when the club is in the market for a new central midfielder after Paul Pogba left as a free agent.
But it was initially thought that De Jong did not want to move to Manchester, citing a lack of football in the Champions League at United.
Eric ten Haag (left) reportedly persuaded Frankie de Jong (right) to join Man United
However, Ten Hague passed his first test as a manager of United, after he successfully managed to change the midfielder’s opinion and convince him that he can realize his full potential at Old Trafford, according to The Mirror.
When United first announced their interest, it was said that De Jong did not want to wash the Catalan side.
The lack of football in the United Champions League, after finishing sixth last season, was considered a deterrent to De Jong.
Meanwhile, he also says he is reluctant to leave the Nou Camp after three seasons and wants to stay and prove himself after his arrival for £ 65 million.
It is reported that the Dutchman wanted to stay and prove himself after three seasons in Barcelona
But United have turned their attention to De Jong as the No. 1 summer transfer target, with Ten Hague saying he wants to build his country around him.
The manager reportedly explained that he planned to bring back the glorious days of Old Trafford and told De Jong that he could be part of United’s return.
De Jong played under Ten Hague when Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019, before joining Barcelona.
Ten Haag is said to have reminded his former star of their success together after winning the Dutch double league and cup in Ajax in 2019.
Ten Hag is said to have reminded its former star of their success together while at Ajax
The Red Devils may have persuaded De Jong to pass, but they still have to persuade Barcelona to let him go with a sufficient fee.
United’s initial £ 60million bid was reportedly rejected by Barcelona, who told the Premier League team they would have to match the club record of £ 89m poured on Paul Pogba in 2016 to secure crossing of De Jong.
However, it is estimated that Barça wants around £ 65 million for the Dutchman and this fee could make a deal.
The Catalan giants have to sell this summer to stabilize their precarious finances, and last month it was announced that the club is ready to release nine players for sale.
Catalan giants are expected to sell this summer to finance the recovery of manager Xavi
Xavi will strive to rebuild his team after a disappointing season and it was very clear that they need to bring reinforcements to challenge Real Madrid for the La Liga title and compete again in the Champions League.
The option to sell De Jong is considered the most attractive for Barcelona, as it would generate multimillion-dollar funds for the club.
The Dutch national is reportedly planning a break after the Netherlands play Wales in their clash with the League of Nations on Tuesday.
He was allegedly advised not to speak publicly about his proposed move until United and Barcelona agreed on a fee.
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