Video – Frenkie de Jong’s agent spotted in Barcelona after reaching Man Utd final agreement
The Dutch midfielder has been United’s top transfer target all summer, but he is still embroiled in a dispute with Barcelona for unpaid wages estimated to be worth €17 million.
On Wednesday afternoon, images emerged of Frenkie de Jong’s agent preparing for a meeting with Barcelona’s management, adding to the ongoing drama.
Manchester United has targeted the midfielder for months and has been their top target. Erik ten Hag, United’s new manager, has worked with De Jong at Ajax and is eager for a reunion in Manchester.
But, with only three weeks left in the transfer window, there is no end in sight. To make matters even more complicated, the Dutch international, who is Barcelona’s highest-paid player, is owed an additional €17 million in unpaid pay. The club’s concern is that they are currently unable to process such payments, complicating the player’s future. Recent talks have focused on resolving this issue.
Images on social media now show De Jong’s representatives Ali Dursun and Hasan Centikaya arriving in Spain on Wednesday afternoon for what have been described as conversations about his client’s future.
Furthermore, noted Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan says of De Jong: “Regardless of what Frenkie says at Barcelona, they (Man Utd) have a pact with the player’s agent.” It all hinges on what happens at Barcelona’s political department about his salary, which they still owe him.”
De Jong was one of four players that signed new contracts in October 2020, all of which were approved by the club’s former board of directors before they all quit weeks later. Barcelona is apparently exploring legal action regarding De Jong’s contract.
The impasse is doing United no favors, as their troubles in the transfer market continue. Ten Hag still wants De Jong and at least one more striker despite being close to a deal for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot. After a heated outcry from former players and the club’s fanbase, the United administration quashed a proposed move for Marko Arnautovic, previously of Stoke City and West Ham.
Other names connected with transfers include Alvaro Morata of Atletico Madrid and Cody Gakpo of PSV.
The need for new blood was clear in Ten Hag’s first Premier League encounter last Saturday. They were defeated 2-1 at home by Brighton, and despite the presence of a new manager and a few new players, it was very much the same old United.
“It wasn’t the defense, we defend as a team, making pass blunders in midfield unnecessarily and they take over,” Ten Hag said after the game. We required better organization there; we made appointments, and they had to do the work that was assigned to them.
“That’s not what we did, and we were penalized for it.” The second goal is also completely unneeded. It was a loose ball in the corner on the other side, so it’s unfortunate that you conceded a goal. We must overcome this setback. “Learn from your mistakes and move on.”
