Journalist Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that Manchester United are trying to finalise the deal for Frenkie de Jong in this summer transfer window.
The Athletic has claimed that a deal has been agreed between Manchester United and Barcelona for De Jong this summer, with £63m being the fee finalised between the two sides, however, the Dutch midfielder is owed £17m from the Spanish club, which has put a halt in proceedings.
De Jong signed for Barcelona in 2019 from Ajax, where he previously worked with Erik ten Hag, and he has made 138 appearances across the three seasons that he has been with the Spanish club.
With United reportedly agreeing on a deal with Barcelona for De Jong, Sheth has claimed to GiveMeSport that something is going on behind the scenes which could indicate that the deal is close:
“I just wonder whether Barcelona are playing a little game here by playing on the fact that they know United are desperate for a central midfielder and that know that they made De Jong their number one priority. Maybe changing the figures somewhat in the deal and maybe trying to get United to play pay a little bit more upfront to somewhat offset some of those wages that De Jong is owed in deferred wages, and therefore Barcelona wouldn’t have to pay the full whack to De Jong they would just make up the difference.
“But look, that could be just me speculating. But it just seems that there’s something going on behind the scenes there. Because I don’t think Richard Arnold and John Mirtough would have travelled to Barcelona and been pictured in Barcelona had they not been given encouragement that this deal was there to be done,” Sheth said.
TIF Thoughts on Sheth’s comments…
United have made three new signings this summer, which total to just over £65m, so if De Jong comes in the door at Old Trafford then that would take their summer spending to way over £100m, which the United faithful will be happy about due to them finishing sixth last term.
Who will sign De Jong?United
Chelsea
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However, if Barcelona do not cough up the money that they owe to the Dutch midfielder, then this could cause United to miss out on signing their man, and Ten Hag would have to look elsewhere to recruit a new midfielder.