As the summer wears on, it seems that one transfer saga that will remain ever-present right to the end is that of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United. Fabrizio Romano discussed in a recent interview the importance of different aspects of De Jong’s decision, and once again confirmed: “everything is ready with the clubs”.
Fabrizio Romano Reveals the Latest on the Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United Transfer Saga
The Details of the Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United Situation
First of all, Romano addressed Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s public statements which suggest that he has no doubt that De Jong will remain at the Camp Nou this summer: “With people in football it’s normal to say things and then behind the scenes, other things are happening. It’s absolutely normal; it’s not just with Barcelona and Manchester United. We have seen these kinds of situations many times, but behind the scenes, Manchester United and Barcelona have an agreement almost ready for Frenkie de Jong.”
Joan Laporta on de Jong: “Frenkie is Barça player. We want him to stay, he wants to stay. We’ve received important bids for him but he’s our player”. 🚨🇳🇱 #FCB
“You know salary budget situation; so we will do our best to keep Frenkie at Barça… and I hope he’ll do the same”. pic.twitter.com/2wWcBN9uTk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2022
The Italian journalist also had plenty to say when questioned about the main points of De Jong’s decision on where he will be playing next season: “I think it’s about the manager – good relationship with Xavi, it’s about the city – he loves Barcelona as a city, he loves the club, the history of the club…and also now Barcelona have one of the best teams in the world I would say, after signing Lewandowski, Raphinha, Kounde, Kessie, Christensen, and it’s not over yet. I think it’s normal [that] after spending difficult years at Barcelona [and] now to have this kind of team, saying ok, I have to leave right now…doesn’t seem the best solution to him.”
Read More: Manchester United Could Bid on ‘Attacking Monster’ in Coming Days – Fabrizio Romano
The reported £17 million owed to De Jong in deferred wages was also discussed in the interview. While Romano said that it was certainly an issue that is stopping the transfer from going through, he was keen to point out that it is by no means the only problem, and that the Dutchman’s priority is to remain in the Catalan capital.
Why He Would Be Such an Important Signing at Old Trafford
Buying a midfielder this summer is imperative for the Red Devils, with a mismatched set of options currently available to Erik ten Hag in the middle of the park.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
Scott McTominay, Fred, Donny van de Beek, and James Garner are the only four recognised central midfielders in United’s senior squad at the moment, and only the former two have any sort of proven Premier League quality. Both Fred and McTominay have been regulars in United’s starting team for some time, although each has their own issues. Van de Beek, though, has struggled enormously since his 2020 move to the Theatre of Dreams, and Garner is yet to start an English top-flight match in his career. He could also be leaving on loan this summer.
De Jong, though, would be an “unbelievable signing” in the middle of the midfield. He is fantastic at progressing the ball and would be a great partner for someone like Fred, sitting behind someone more offensive-minded like Bruno Fernandes or new addition Christian Eriksen.
