Paper Works completed – 80 million transfer breakthrough coming after Man Utd perform U-turn on costly Barcelona demand
Man United are expected to make a final bid for Frenkie de Jong after a report disclosed a critical requirement that they are now willing to meet.
The controversy surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s signing to Manchester United has characterized the Red Devils’ summer. United’s pursuit of the Dutchman, 25, is now in its third month. During that time, the team has signed three more stars: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, and Lisandro Martinez.
However, Barcelona star De Jong remains the primary prize on the table. Indeed, new manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly told his fellow countryman that he will be the focal point of his revamped midfield.
Barcelona has accepted United’s bid, which is said to be in the region of £56 million with add-ons totaling more than £70 million. Despite their public attitude that they are pleased to keep De Jong, Barcelona is thought to be keen to get rid of him behind the scenes.
The greatest stumbling block, though, has been encouraging the player to switch teams. To that end, De Jong has yet to finalize personal terms with United, and one of the main reasons for his reluctance to leave is the £17 million he is owed in deferred salary.
De Jong agreed to defer a large portion of his income to assist Barcelona in dealing with the financial hardship caused by the Covid epidemic.
However, the Spanish behemoth is demanding that United pay the deferred salary on top of a deal for De Jong, which the Red Devils have previously refused to do.
However, according to the Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, United is ready to make a U-turn on that front.
United is willing to “absorb the loans.”
To begin, they claim United is planning a “final offer” that will see De Jong earn roughly £450,000 per week at Old Trafford. More crucially, they are now willing to accept the £17 million in postponed salaries.
The Mirror adds their perspective on the development, suggesting that the sequence of events will result in a “breakthrough” for United.
However, legal difficulties will make ‘assuming the debts’ far from simple. Indeed, United cannot legally assume another player’s unpaid pay.
As a result, according to the Mirror, the £17 million will be ‘incorporated into other compensation’ the player would get during his tenure in Manchester. This may include the base wage, bonuses, add-ons, and sign-on/loyalty fees.
Of course, United would still need to persuade De Jong that Old Trafford is the ideal home for him. However, the issue of unpaid wages was thought to be the biggest stumbling block, and this latest revelation may finally result in a long-awaited breakthrough.
Man United’s summer will be defined by Frenkie de Jong.
Because United has been so aggressive in their pursuit of De Jong, credible alternatives have not been signed.
Last season, Eriksen played in a similar position to De Jong at Brentford. However, at the age of 30, the Dane is not a long-term prospect.
In pre-season, Ten Hag has Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford leading the line. Martinez will offer grit and bite to the backline, but central midfield remains a major worry.
Scott McTominay and Fred are always willing to go the extra mile. However, recent seasons have demonstrated that the pair aren’t up to the task of restoring United to its rightful place.
De Jong would be a huge step up in quality, and Ten Hag’s insistence in pursuing him is justified.
If the Dutchman can be signed, United will have the ideal midfielder to manage the tempo and set the tone. Otherwise, another tedious and inconsistent campaign is expected.
