Not yet over: Erik Ten Hag very keen to sign €80m Dutch midfielder in January as Casemiro continue to struggle
Manchester United made a significant offer to bring de Jong to the Catalan giants, who wanted him to take a pay cut or leave. Frenkie decided to stay and did not even accept a pay cut, which remains a major concern for the Spanish club.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was Manchester United’s main target in the summer transfer window. However, the Red Devils ended up luring Casemiro from Real Madrid and the Dutch international stayed with the Blaugrana.
His last contract was signed only a week before former president Josep Maria Bartomeu left and the current management do not believe the deal is viable. The Red Devils have improved under Erik ten Hag, with Eriksen and McTominay impressing in midfield.
Yet Man United need to improve the quality and depth of their midfield. So far, Xavi has mostly favoured Busquets, Gavi and Pedri in midfield and, in that context, the 25-year-old midfielder has started just one La Liga game.
The Catalan news source mentioned that due to the complexity of the deal and the fact that the Dutchman is mainly warming the bench, there could be moves to finally secure his departure in the January transfer window.
