Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United are edging closer to securing the signing of Frenkie de Jong – but there are still details to be ironed out with Barcelona.
United’s seemingly never-ending pursuit of the midfielder appears to be reaching its climax, with Romano reporting that the two clubs have struck an agreement for a €65m (£55.8m) fee upfront, however, discussions are ongoing as to how best to formulate the €20m (£17.1m) add-ons.
Personal terms are yet to be discussed with the player, who is thought to favour staying in Catalonia as opposed to reuniting with his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag.
Barca’s club president Joan Laporta has stressed that he is unwilling to sanction any transfer of the Dutchman, but has hinted that he would need to take a pay-cut on his £164k-per-week contract that runs until 2026 in order to stay.
The Catalans’ financial crisis may benefit United, with Romano claiming that a salary reduction is ‘very unlikely’ on De Jong’s side – and the insider believes that while the Red Devils are on the brink of landing their top priority, agreeing on the payment structure is proving difficult.
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He told GiveMeSport: “The salary has always been the biggest issue for Barcelona.
“What’s going on is there is a negotiation between Manchester United and Barcelona. They are really close to an agreement, but it is not done yet because they need to discuss the add-ons and how to activate them.”
TIF Thoughts on De Jong and United…
A successful end to this long-winding transfer saga will be a relief for United fans.
Amid the reports that Christian Eriksen is on his way to Old Trafford and the imminent arrival of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, their transfer window is slowly starting to come together.
Last season, they finished on their lowest-ever Premier League points total, and Ten Hag will be tasked with rejuvenating the club this term.
De Jong could well be at the forefront of that revolution, and by securing his number-one target, the Dutch manager will no doubt be hoping to build around his centrepiece, which could in turn signal more arrivals.