Manchester United have been in the final stages of these key deals for a few weeks now, but the latest report sheds some light on why so much time is being taken.
Manchester United have had extremely strong links to Frenkie de Jong, Lisandro Martínez, Antony and – in recent days – Brian Brobbey across this summer.
Frenkie de Jong has had multiple bids submitted for him by United and of the linked clubs, Manchester United is his preferred destination.
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The hold-up in this transfer so far has largely been at Barcelona’s end, with the club currently owing the player 17 million in deferred wages.
But this report by The Times’ Duncan Castles suggests that the holdup is largely down to the player being unwilling to swap Catalonia for Carrington, with De Jong having ‘repeatedly stated his intention to stay’.
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If true, this creates a problem for United due to their lack of a backup option to the Dutchman. He has been the club’s sole midfield target this summer, and new boss Erik ten Hag considers him fundamental to the entire system.
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Lisandro Martínez is another player that Manchester United have officially submitted a bid for, and they are awaiting a response from Ajax regarding its outcome.
The Argentine could offer cover in a variety of positions, he is primarily a centre-back but could also operate in midfield if required.
Castles reports that Ajax would like to secure a replacement for Martínez before sanctioning any potential sale of the player.
However, the latest reports suggest that Martinez may decide to quit Ajax training in order to force a move through to the Old Trafford giants.
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The same goes for his Ajax teammate Antony, who United are reportedly offering €60 million for, although Ajax want €70 million. Both players are pressing the Amsterdam side into accepting United’s offers.
Antony has been linked for Manchester United for a number of months now, having been one of Ten Hag’s standout players at Ajax.
With United in desperate need of a right winger, Antony would be a signing that makes sense. However, due to both United’s needs and his high price tag, he is the one that is less likely to line up at the Theatre of Dreams come August and United could pursue other options.
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Castles reports that Ajax would like to bring in a total of €125 million across the sales of Antony and Martínez, and with the current offers they would only rake in €110 million, a €15 million differential.
It is the Antony deal that makes up the bulk of this, with Ajax and United €10 million apart in their respective valuations of the player.
Ten Hag has been pressing the Old Trafford board hard to up their offers for the players, however, as he looks to finalise all his incomings before pre season ends for Manchester United.
Whatever happens, the next few days will be key in the outcome of these transfer sagas, and so key in the outcome of the upcoming 2022/23 season for United.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Ajax, Football, Transfers