The De Jong transfer saga at Manchester United has already dragged on for more than a month, yet reports continue to vary as to whether progress has actually been made. United have reportedly hammered out an agreement in principle for a deal worth £55m. However, rumblings coming from De Jong continue to suggest he is reluctant to join the Red Devils. The Dutchman would be out of Champions League football for at least next season, while the issue of outstanding wages is a further 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 have claimed that De Jong will soon be informed about his time at Camp Nou, while AS have claimed that Barca are secretly working on the move behind De Jong’s back. Barcelona have completed a deal to sign Leeds United ace Rafinha. This will have been met with excitement in Manchester with Barca’s ability to land the Brazilian potentially dependent on the money they recoup from De Jong. Now Athletic have provided the latest on Man Utd’s efforts with club chiefs hoping their presence in person can speed up negotiations. The state of Manchester United sent a delegation including CEO Richard Arnold and Director of Football John Murtaugh to Barcelona. The pair will be involved in face-to-face talks with their Barcelona counterparts with De Jong’s potential transfer a clear and number one priority.
Manchester United cannot leave empty-handed
The Athletic report reaffirms De Jong is and has always been Erik ten Hag’s primary target this summer. United’s midfield, specifically in central spots, has long been derided as their weakest link. In addition, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba have both left for free, while Andreas Pereira recently completed a move to Fulham. That leaves only Fred, Scott McTominay, Donny Van de Beek and the incoming Christian Eriksen to choose from. James Garner excelled on loan with Nottingham Forest last term, although it may be too early to consider him for first-team selection at Old Trafford. The fact that United’s transfer saga has dragged on for so long is also a disadvantage in other areas. A De Jong deal will require a significant wage commitment and a reported 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 could soon require attention – centre-forward.
Why do Manchester United want Frankie de Jong?
Why do Manchester United want Frankie de Jong when the player seemingly doesn’t want to move to Old Trafford? Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford could be completed at the end of a year. Ten Hag reportedly want Ajax’s Anthony if Ronaldo leaves, although he could cost even more than De Jong. For the sake of their window as a whole, United need to find a solution to the De Jong saga soon. Leaving empty-handed would leave Ten Hag without his primary target and a month off the clock in his vital first window.
