Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United are still in the race to sign Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona despite having their first verbal offer turned down and claims they will need to cough up to 85 million euros to sign the Dutchman.
The Red Devils want to build around new manager Erik ten Hag this summer with their most rumoured move to be for Barcelona’s De Jong, however, it seems they have hit a stumbling block over the price for the Dutch international and it is reported United believe the Blaugrana will lower their price amid their financial trouble.
While negotiations have seemed to slow down in the last few days, Romano has revealed the Premier League club still wants the player and sees him as more than just a signing, they see him as being a statement piece for the new club project under their new manager. He also shared what it will take for the club to secure his signature this summer.
Romano said, “What I’m told is Manchester United and Barcelona are in contact for Frenkie De Jong, so it is not over because of this situation… So, he is waiting to see what Barcelona will do and what Manchester United will do… Manchester United are convinced Frenkie would be more than a top player in the midfield, more than a fantastic midfielder.
“It would be a statement from the Man United project. This is why they are still pushing; this is why the two clubs are still in direct contact since June 1st. The negotiations are still ongoing, the opening bid was a verbal one for 60 million euros plus 10 million euros add-ons. Barcelona told again, Manchester United, they want 85 million guaranteed for Frenkie De Jong, no less than this.” (1:22)
TIF thoughts on Romano’s comments…
Manchester United desperately need to add to their midfield options this summer with Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Nemanja Matic all on the way out for free this summer. this leaves them with just Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Scott McTominay, Donny Van de Beek as viable first-team options next season, with Hannibal and James Garner as youngsters who could possibly feature more.
If signed, De Jong would fit straight into the first team and could make an instant impact on the team. Last season he got four goals and five assists for Barcelona across all competition while averaging 1.4 key passes, 1.8 dribbles, 1.1 tackles, and 2.3 long balls per game with 91.2% passing accuracy. he also ranked in the 95th percentile for progressive passes received and the 94th for progressive carries across players at the position in Europe’s top five leagues.
Coughing up 85 million euros for any player is a lot of money and has the potential to backfire horrendously, just look a the track record of Pogba since he joined, but it is a position of desperate need and De Jong has shown he is one of the best in the world at the position.
Will De Jong sign for United?Yes
No
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