New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is eager for the club to bring Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford, but club officials are not too sure.
According to reports, ten Hag thinks de Jong is worth ‘every penny’ and is desperate to build his United team around the Dutchman. But contrasting views from the United board means this transfer saga is nowhere near reaching its conclusion anytime soon.
For the last few weeks, United have been in talks with de Jong’s current club, Barcelona over a possible transfer. To date, nothing has materialised. The Spanish giants are open to selling the midfielder in order to boost funds for their own targets.
The 25-year-old joined Barcelona from Ajax three years ago after the Catalan club beat Paris Saint Germain to his signature.
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According to The Mirror, ten Hag and his bosses having different opinions about the transfer.
United officials believe that Barcelona are holding them to ransom, knowing that after losing the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic, they know United need a midfield signing. United chiefs also feel the Catalan club are holding out for a big transfer fee in order to balance their finances.
However, ten Hag believes de Jong is worth playing for. He is hoping the Dutch midfielder will be the focal point of his side as he looks to turn the club’s fortunes around after yet another dismal campaign.
The pair previously worked together at Ajax, helping the club surprise many by reaching the semi finals of the Champions League in 2019.
De Jong was quoted saying he feels fine at Barcelona but refused to rule out an exit.
Former Spurs and Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has spoken about the never ending saga, urging de Jong to leave the Nou Camp.
He said: “I will explain to you why Frenkie is so good at the national team, because he's the only midfielder with these type of qualities here and he does what he wants.”
“At Barca there is Pedri, Gavi, Busquets and so on. All of a sudden he starts adjusting again.”
“At Manchester United it will be just like at the national team, being the only one with his type of qualities.”
“I would move to Manchester United if I was him, just do it!”
This saga will for sure drag on and only time will tell whether de Jong makes the move from Spain to England.
Topics: Football, Frenkie De Jong, Manchester United, Barcelona, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League
Marcus Chan