The most important day in the Manchester United Frenkie de Jong transfer saga is coming up this week as both clubs expect a deal to be done by Thursday, as reported by The Times. Thursday, June 30 marks the end of the accounting period for Spanish clubs, meaning Barcelona want a deal to be done by then to balance the books.
The two clubs have troubled over a price point that suits both parties. Barcelona wanted £73 million for their midfielder. United had a second bid of £56 million rejected by the Catalans. The reported agreed fee is now £69 million.
The Most Important Day Yet for Manchester United Frenkie de Jong Transfer
Important Piece of the Erik ten Hag Puzzle
Frenkie de Jong has been the name linked with Manchester United since the new manager was unveiled. The Dutchman has been the priority target as the Red Devils look to bolster their midfield options this summer. Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard will all leave Old Trafford this summer, leaving space for the 25-year-old and potentially free agent Christian Eriksen.
Read More: Christian Eriksen Ready to Decide Club Future With Manchester United Firmly in Picture
Barcelona want a deal to happen as soon as possible as they continue to struggle financially. The sale of De Jong will help them sign their own important puzzle pieces, with Robert Lewandowski, Bernardo Silva and Jules Kounde all linked with the Spanish Giants. The end of the accounting year and their book figures could be massive in the future of the club, and an extra £69 million in the incomings category is no harmful thing.
The Stats Behind Manchester United Midfielders and Why De Jong Is Important
Manchester United fans have been calling out for improvements in midfield for years. The central midfielder has created 1.6 chances per 90 this season (Fred 1.2, Scott McTominay 0.9) and has a passing accuracy of 91.3 per cent (McTominay 85.6 per cent, Fred 84.1 per cent), as per Yahoo Sport. He ranks in the 94th percentile across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes, and the 94th percentile for progressive carries.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
His ability on the ball and eye for a pass at speed sets him apart from the rest. While not being the most physically imposing midfielder, the Dutchman makes up for it in his incredible stamina, perfect for the Ten Hag system of counter-pressing and constant pressure on opponents. The midfielder also has an eye for a goal and can arrive late into the box to meet crosses. By Thursday, all this should be on United’s roster.
