Manchester United have sent a pair of heavyweights to Barcelona in the hope of finally ending their Frenkie de Jong transfer saga, according to a report.
The saga of De Jong’s move to Manchester United has now dragged on for over a month, but reports continue to vary as to whether progress has indeed been made. United are understood to have agreed in principle a deal worth an initial £55m.
However, rumors coming from De Jong continue to suggest that he is reluctant to join the Red Devils. The Dutchman will give up Champions League football for at least next season, while the issue of unpaid wages is another complication.
De Jong is reportedly owed around €17 million in wages from Barcelona after agreeing to defer a large portion of his wages during the Covid pandemic.
Today’s Euro Paper Talk provided the latest from Spain. Mundo Deportivo claim De Jong will soon be told his time at Camp Nou is up, while AS claim Barca are secretly working on a move behind De Jong’s back.
Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Leeds United ace Rafinha. This will be met with excitement in Manchester with Barca’s ability to sign the Brazilian potentially dependent on the money they recoup from De Jong.
Now Athletic have provided the latest information on Manchester United’s efforts with the club’s chiefs, hoping their personal presence can speed up negotiations.
Outlet-state Manchester United sent a delegation including chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtaugh to Barcelona.
The pair will be involved in face-to-face discussions with their Barcelona counterparts, with De Jong’s potential transfer a clear and number one priority.
Man United cannot leave empty-handed
The Athletic report reaffirms that De Jong is and has always been Erik ten Hag’s main target this summer.
United’s midfield, particularly in central areas, has long been derided as the weakest unit.
What’s more, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba left for free, while Andreas Pereira recently completed his move to Fulham.
Only Fred, Scott McTominay, Donnie Van de Beek and the incoming Christian Eriksen remain. James Garner shone on loan with Nottingham Forest last term, although it may be too early to consider him a first-team choice at Old Trafford.
The fact that United’s transfer saga has dragged on for so long is also hurting other areas. A deal for De Jong would require a significant commitment in wages and an initial outlay of £55m.
Does Frenkie de Jong’s impasse affect other moves?
United cannot afford to spend freely in other departments until they know whether the money earmarked for De Jong will actually be used.
Another equally important position in Ten Hag’s squad may soon require attention – center forward.
Why Manchester United want Frankie de Jong?
Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong when the player doesn’t seem to want to move to Old Trafford?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford could end after a year. Ten Hag reportedly want Antoni from Ajax if Ronaldo leaves, although he could cost even more than De Jong.
For the sake of their window as a whole, United must reach a resolution to the De Jong saga soon. Leaving empty-handed would leave the Ten Hag without his main target and a month off the clock in his vital first window.
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