Manchester United closer to £69m Frenkie de Jong deal

Manchester United have finally come to a transfer agreement with Barcelona over a deal to make Frenkie de Jong the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era, according to a report.

Frenkie de Jong is the big gun that’s needed at Manchester United. He’s the big boy who can change their playing style under Erik ten Hag. The deal still hasn’t happened but I know they’re working on it. – Marcel van der Kraan 

The Dutchman has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer. However, getting the transfer over the line has proved problematic with Barcelona proving tricky negotiators. To that end, United chief executive Richard Arnold went public with the many obstacles United have faced so far this summer.

As such, Barcelona have always remain steadfast that their £73.8m (€86m) valuation of De Jong has little room for negotiation. Highly-rated by Xavi, he’s not a player they are willing to part with for lower than their valuation.

When Frenkie de Jong and Donny van de Beek were running the show for Ajax 👀 pic.twitter.com/gnjSCSnthS

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 26, 2022

That, though, has not stopped United trying. They were forced to undergo similar tactics when it came to landing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon back in January 2020. At that time, United reached the Portuguese side’s asking price by offering a downpayment with various add-ons helping the final transfer fee meet their expectations.

That style of negotiating, however, has seemingly fallen on deaf ears at Barcelona. Indeed, United’s first offer – said to have been for an initial £51.5m (€60m) together with add-ons – was quickly rejected.

The transfer is a simple one as far as Barcelona are concerned, with the Blaugrana simply wanting more of a guaranteed fee up front.

De Jong will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, keeping the 25-year-old at the club until summer 2027

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