Manchester United is reportedly hopeful about concluding a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong as soon as next week. After more discussions with Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong is getting closer to joining Manchester United before their preseason trip, after club representatives undertook more negotiations with Barcelona to secure Erik ten Hag’s top transfer target, Frenkie de Jong,
When United hired the Dutchman in April, the 25-year-old became evidently Erik ten Hag’s priority aim. The completion of five previous acquisitions, including that of Christian Eriksen of Brentford and Ajax star Antony, is thought to have been hampered by his desire to sign De Jong before the Red Devils’ first preseason trip in July.
Ten Hag believes that the playmaker from the Netherlands is the best person to assist in improving United’s midfield, which has struggled to control games in previous seasons. Before De Jong moved from Amsterdam to Catalunya in 2019, the two were coworkers at Ajax and notable for reaching the Champions League semifinal.
The Red Devils had made a lowball offer when the discussions first started, but Ten Hag’s persistence in getting the transaction done has helped United go closer to Barcelona’s £68.8 million asking price. De Jong is reportedly waiting for a deal to fall through between the clubs before deciding on a five-year contract offer, although United are hoping to sign him by June 30.
After three seasons at the Camp Nou, De Jong has been reluctant to go. De Jong made it known to ESPN during the international break that he preferred to remain at Barcelona. My ideal team would be Barcelona. from an early age as well. I simply spoke that myself. Even though I had hoped for more prizes than I have thus far, I have never looked back on my decision. However, I’ve never regretted my decision.
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After the Red Devils said farewell to Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, and Jesse Lingard, a trio whose contracts at Old Trafford all expire next Thursday, Ten Hag now has space in his midfield. Since choosing to hire the 52-year-old, United’s new recruitment staff has been concentrating on ways to improve the position.
Ten Hag may have been assured that De Jong would fit in well by the connections between the 20-time English champions and Ajax. The Dutch strategist said in his first interview with manutd.com, “I think that’s the comparison.” “I’ve lived at Bayern Munich, Ajax, and now I’m in Manchester United.
“I am aware that our opponents are too driven to defeat Manchester United, and we must be prepared for that. go fight the war, and win. We need to be more, even if they are too driven. Always be more motivated to win the game than the opposition.”
However, given the financial struggles of Camp Nou and the continued development of youthful players Pedri and Gavi as well as the continued presence of senior club captain Sergio Busquets, manager Xavi Hernandez views De Jong as a replaceable asset.