Manchester United have grown uncertain over their chances of signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, claims ESPN’s Rob Dawson. The Red Devils have been chasing the 25-year-old for some time but have struggled to get the deal over the line.
Manchester United’s Move for Frenkie de Jong Hits Another Snag
Red Devils Remain in Dialogue With Barcelona
Despite growing somewhat pessimistic over the deal for De Jong, the Red Devils are still maintaining conversations with Barcelona over a potential deal for the midfielder. This is even after the La Liga giants’ president Joan Laporta had publicly stated recently that he wants to keep the Dutch midfielder at the club next season.
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United have been having discussions with Barcelona’s board over the 25-year-old’s transfer for over a month. In fact, they had even agreed on an initial fee of around £55 million plus add-ons for the midfielder, but have not been able to make any progress ever since.
Wages and Add-Ons Structure Posing Major Issues
The major stumbling block which is stopping this deal from going through is an issue revolving around De Jong’s wages at Barcelona. The Dutchman had agreed to take a pay cut to help the club through a difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He had struck an understanding that the amount of money he was willing to forgo during the pay-cut period was going to be paid to him in full through his contract, which expires in 2026. However, the La Liga giants are not willing to go through with their promise and hoping that he will agree on a move without receiving his full compensation.
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United Pushing on for Other Transfers
Despite suffering setbacks in their pursuit of De Jong, United are still moving ahead with their other transfer pursuits. The Red Devils have already signed Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and are working to finalise some other deals.
The Manchester giants look set to sign free agent Christian Eriksen, who has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them and just needs to complete his medical tests to secure the move.
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The Red Devils are also pushing for the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez and are in an ongoing battle with Arsenal for his services. With pre-season set to start soon, Erik ten Hag wants his transfers finalised quickly and most of the business done before the start of the Premier League season in August.
Frenkie de Jong situation 🇳🇱 #FCB
▫️ Man Utd & Barça agreed €65m fixed fee but still discussing on €20m add-ons structure;
▫️ Personal terms never discussed yet;
▫️ Frenkie’s priority has always been to stay at Barça;
▫️ Salary reduction ‘very unlikely’ option on Frenkie side. pic.twitter.com/bXcGIB3II3— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2022
