Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is becoming slightly frustrated at the speed of the negotiations to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, reports The Athletic. The Dutchman is eager to get his transfers done quickly so that they can be heavily involved in his side’s pre-season campaign in July.
Erik ten Hag Frustrated With Slow Chase for New Midfielder
Manchester United Manager Wants Squad In Place Before New Season Begins
🚨💰 Erik ten Hag’s stance is that #MUFC may be paying a premium for Frenkie de Jong, but that the club can sign two stellar performers for the price of one because Christian Eriksen is a free agent. @MullockSMirror ✅ pic.twitter.com/YJ5dODX33P
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) June 18, 2022
The new Manchester United manager has prioritised the strengthening of his side’s midfield as the number one thing to do in the summer transfer window. With Paul Pogba leaving and it being clear that Scott McTominay or Fred are far from being world-class, the Dutchman wants reinforcements in midfield.
However, he is becoming a little bit frustrated at his side’s inability to efficiently and swiftly conclude the de Jong deal.
Ten Hag is aware that his side’s budget is limited to around £120 million and that he’ll have to be careful with other summer signings from the amount remaining after if the de Jong deal is completed.
United and Barcelona currently have a gap of between €10 million to €15 million in valuations for de Jong. The Spanish club want around €85 million to let go of their stylish midfielder, but the Red Devils are not willing to pay an added premium for him.
Barca are adamant that they don’t have to sell players for money after agreeing on a financing deal by selling their assets and TV rights for over €500m.
De Jong Remains Calm Amid Rewarding Prospect
Frenkie de Jong himself has done nothing to aid United’s efforts to sign him. Ten Hag has convinced his former Ajax player that he will have a major role in his plans at Old Trafford. The United boss is even ready to make him the centre of his project at the club and revolve his side’s game around him.
That would mean de Jong can get total freedom in dictating games for the Red Devils as well as play wherever he wants. But the Dutch midfielder has remained coy and insisted that Barca is his dream club and he is more than willing to stay with them next season.
United have also been linked with a summer move for free agent Christian Eriksen, but ten Hag wants Frenkie de Jong as his marquee summer signing and the one that can truly elevate his side to the level he wants them to be.
