Manchester United and Barcelona may have finally reached a breakthrough in the Frenkie de Jong negotiations, with the Spanish club now insisting the midfielder must leave – according to reports.
It has been reported for some time that the two clubs have agreed on a fee for the Dutchman, but Barcelona made it seem as though it was up to De Jong on whether he stays or leaves. The consistent narrative from the player’s side has been that he wishes to continue at the Camp Nou.
The Athletic then revealed on Thursday morning that United have agreed to pay Barcelona €75million (£63million), with an additional €10 million coming in add-ons. This is more than United previously offered. The Catalan club accepted both offers.
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Reports throughout the summer have also stated that United have received indications from De Jong that he would be open to joining Erik ten Hag on his journey to rebuild United, despite multiple others emphasising De Jong’s immovable desire to stay at Barcelona.
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United’s persistence in the negotiations suggested that there must have been something De Jong or his team have said that kept the Reds’ interest.
During negotiations, nobody wants to concede a position of power. As a result, De Jong pledging his loyalty to the Blaugrana gave Barca the upper hand. Additionally, the Spanish giants owe the Dutchman €17 million in deferred wages and he has every right to hang tight and demand his dues.
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The apparent breakthrough took place in the early evening hours of today with Barca all but kicking off a briefing campaign to attempt to push De Jong out of the club.
Barcelona had not taken much of a public stance on the negotiations prior to today (Thursday), even though there were reports suggesting that they do need to sell De Jong who is their current highest earner.
The Athletic have since returned with an update, stating that “Barcelona’s hierarchy have informed De Jong that they need to sell him in order to balance their excessive wage bill.”
The report also claims that “Barcelona are trying to convince De Jong that a transfer to United would be the best move for his career.”
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Multiple Spanish outlets have echoed the above.
Journalist Ferran Correas reported: “Barcelona have made a very firm decision with Frenkie de Jong - he must accept United’s offer, they have already informed him.
“He could even be left out of Barcelona’s pre-season tour if he refuses to leave.”
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Catalunya Radio released a report stating that there is a belief at Barca that United’s new offer is “difficult to reject.” There is also an intention at the club to close the deal in a matter of days.
This would add up with the news from earlier this week when John Murtough and Richard Arnold paid the Barca officials a visit and reportedly insisted on the deal being concluded by Friday, whether the player stays or leaves.
Barcelona’s difficult money situation is no secret, with a reported amount of €1 billion in debt hanging over the club’s head.
With De Jong’s wages and Barca’s relentless pursuit of new players this summer, they need to comply with La Liga’s new regulations and move the Dutchman on in order to register new signings such as Raphinha, Franck Kessie, and Andreas Christensen.
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De Jong has been Ten Hag’s No. 1 target since the former Ajax man took over at United. The 52-year-old is on a mission to revamp the Reds’ midfield and add style and control to his squad’s performances and he wants De Jong as the centrepiece.
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For a long time, it felt as though United were fighting a losing battle but now, a positive conclusion looks to very much be on the cards.
De Jong’s initial wish of remaining at his dream club may not get granted, but Barcelona’s treatment of a player who agreed to take less money in order to help the club out of a hard situation has been nothing short of pitiful.
With the advanced negotiations now on the final straight, De Jong could be reunited with his former boss as early as next week and at a club that wholly desires his services. The end of the saga is near. A fresh start is looming.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Transfers