New United manager Ten Haag has locked in the midfielder as his top summer target. Indeed, he sees his compatriot as the perfect solution after identifying the Red Devils’ midfield as an area of weakness. However, efforts to bring De Jong to Old Trafford have proved far more difficult than anyone ever expected. After several weeks of negotiations with Barcelona, the two sides finally found common ground. This deal will see United pay an initial £63m, with add-ons taking the deal over the £72m barrier. But agreeing a fee for De Jong was only the beginning of United’s seemingly endless search. Indeed, De Jong himself has firmly dug his heels in for the potential move. And a report citing 10 reasons why De Jong plans to reject a move to Old Trafford will not have gone down well. However, United are stuck there and have refused to back out of a potential deal. And fresh in United’s mind is the fact that Barcelona want De Jong out. The issue of his sale is complicated by a salary deferral agreement. To that end, the LaLiga giants still owe De Jong around £14.4m (€17m) in wages. However, so desperate are United to seal the deal, one report claims they are willing to cover that shortfall. Either way, and with the clock ticking, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reportedly set a deadline for the potential transfer. That said, those hopes have receded in recent days amid claims that Chelsea are also keen.
Ten Hag urges Manchester United to stay on course over Frankie de Jong
The Blues are armed with a hefty transfer advantage, with ambitious new owner Todd Boehly looking to make a mark. And Thomas Tuchel’s side also have the added benefit of being able to offer De Jong Champions League football. However, according to Sport, Ten Hag remains unfazed by Chelsea’s interest and remains confident of a reunion with De Jong. They state, with director of football John Murtough frustrated by the saga and wanting to consider alternatives, that Ten Hag instructed him to hold his nerve. Convinced that Barcelona should simply sell, he also told Murtough to complete the deal. And the Manchester United boss believes his strong relationship with De Jong from their days at Ajax will ensure a move to United comes to fruition. Additionally, it is claimed that Ten Haag also had a personal phone call with De Jong earlier this week. In the conversation, Ten Hag reportedly reassured De Jong that his interest remains as strong as ever. In addition, he is said to have spoken to the player about his role in the United squad. De Jong has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona, with Pedri, Gavi, Sergio Busquets and Franck Kessie all ahead of him. The player knows he will need regular football to secure his place in Holland’s World Cup squad, giving further credit to Ten Haag.
United are taking a calculated risk on the transfer
In truth, much of the entire 2022/23 season hinges on United being able to get this deal done. Having put so much time and effort into the deal, the club would look foolish if he moved to Chelsea. To that end, Ten Haag is playing heavily on his past relationships with De Jong to get the deal done. Indeed, much of Ten Haag’s planning has evolved around adding De Jong to his midfield. He can give United much more balance and control. something they lacked against better opposition last season. Sitting deep and right in front of the defence, United will hope they can set the pace and protect their defense better. And an accurate passer of the ball, Ten Haag knows exactly how to get the best out of the star.
Could a potential transfer for Frenkie De Jong hold the key to Manchester United’s centre-back partnership this season?
Does the loss of Frenkie de Jong’s signature to Manchester United mean a different centre-back partnership to the one Erik ten Hag wants judging by pre-season? Therefore, he will be very hopeful and expect the deal to go through. The only thing we can say for sure, though, is that Barcelona must sell. Their constant struggles to balance the books means they have to take Frenkie de Jong off their wages. His £140,000-a-week salary will be used elsewhere. And the massive transfer fee they’re set to receive from United will also help immensely. Meanwhile, United themselves look set to lighten their load with a move to LaLiga looming for Alex Telles.
