Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is still ongoing. Erik ten Hag is desperate to sign the Barcelona star this summer, and John Murtough is doing everything he can to make it happen. As the saga continues, Express Sport will look into what we know about their pursuit.
Payment for Barcelona
United and Barcelona have been in talks for De Jong for more than 70 days.
When it was announced that Ten Hag would be taking over as manager, the Netherlands international quickly became the Red Devils’ primary priority.
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United only recently agreed on a fee for the 25-year-old.
They’re willing to pay Barcelona an initial fee of £63 million, which would push De Jong ahead of Angel Di Maria as United’s most expensive signing.
They’re even willing to spend an additional £8 million in add-ons and bonuses to get the midfielder in the door.
Announcement of a transaction
United would prefer to make De Jong’s signing as quickly as possible.
They aren’t yet willing to back out of a transfer, but they realize they must succeed in order to save face and avoid shame.
As a result, United is prepared to play the long game.
They’d gladly reveal De Jong at the end of the summer if necessary, such is their desire to bring the midfielder to the Premier League.
It’s worth noting that they’re still comfortable about signing the 25-year-old.
United have also stated that they would not be pursuing De Jong if they had not obtained confirmation that the player would be interested in reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
De Jong Medical Services
United has yet to schedule a medical for De Jong.
That’s because they’re well aware of how much still needs to happen before they reach that point.
However, if De Jong ultimately agrees to a transfer, United will be ready to fly him in from the United States.
So, if the midfielder gives them the thumbs up, the Red Devils believe they’ll be able to get him to England as soon as possible.
United has previously flown in new signings from overseas, and De Jong is no exception.
Is De Jong willing to come?
When it comes to De Jong’s viewpoint, there are conflicting signals.
One fact that is certain is that the midfielder adores Barcelona. Both the club and the city had long desired to wear their iconic red and blue colors.
In Catalonia, they continue to emphasize that De Jong does not want to join United.
On these shores, though, the messages are more encouraging.
Fans will be left in the dark until De Jong comes out and firmly addresses the rumors about his future.
Alternatives to De Jong
If United does not acquire De Jong, they are anticipated to sign a midfielder.
And talkSPORT’s Alex Crook recently claimed the Red Devils have Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans as backups, saying: “I think they should probably walk away sooner, to be honest, given the initial communication between Manchester United and Barcelona was in the middle of May – we’re practically in July.”
“This is an absurd situation. For far too long, it has been a saga. Either it will happen or it will not.
“I’m sure Manchester United has a backup plan.” According to my understanding, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves of Wolves are on that list.
“I’d call Barcelona’s bluff right now and say, ‘Either you sell him to us, or we’ll pay the same amount and sign Ruben Neves.'”
“He’s a Premier League player with experience.”
