Finally, there seems to be an end in sight with regards to Manchester United’s protracted chase of Frenkie de Jong. Erik ten Hag and Chelsea are waiting with bated breath to find out what the playmaker decides in the coming days.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona held a meeting with the Dutch midfielder’s entourage and it was clearly communicated that either the player needs to agree to yet another substantial pay cut or start negotiating for an impending transfer with either United or Chelsea.
🚨🚨| Both Manchester United & Chelsea are willing to pay €80M to FC Barcelona for Frenkie De Jong. His decision is imminent. @sport
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) August 5, 2022
Barcelona have spent a considerable amount of money to sign the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde but have not been able to register their new recruits due to budget constraints.
Barca have till Aug 13
They have time till the start of the La Liga season which is August 13 to register new players and abide by La Liga’s strict salary cap.
So far, as reported previously, the club are quite some distance away from safety and still need to sell more players while they have also asked established stars like Gerard Pique to take a further hit in terms of salary.
With time running the Catalan club have issued an ultimatum to the Netherlands international and De Jong has time till next week to decide whether to stick to his choice of remaining at Barca or move to either Manchester or London.
Interestingly, in the meeting with De Jong’s agent, the La Liga giants have made it abundantly clear that they have reached this stage purely due to economic reasons and not sporting ones.
Xavi apparently really likes the player and if he were to agree to a salary deduction as imposed on the rest of the squad, he would once again become a guaranteed starter.
The Camp Nou outfit cannot afford to pay the deferred wages as well as continue to pay the midfielder his original pre-pandemic salary due to the severe financial crisis at the club.
Barca still hopeful
According to the same publication, Laporta is said to be optimistic that the 25-year-old will agree to the proposal and remain in Catalunya. He and his girlfriend have already bought a property there and are very happy in Spain.
De Jong’s entourage have made it abundantly clear that they do not wish for their client to take on another salary hit but De Jong will have to decide for himself in the coming days.
The article also mentions that Chelsea are pushing very hard to get the deal over the line and have agreed to pay what Barcelona want. United have already agreed on a deal worth a guaranteed fee of €75million upfront with add-ons worth another €10million.
United Matchday Magazine – get yours FREE now!
The wait is over. United are back and there is a new general leading the Red Army. Brighton are coming to Old Trafford so get ready for the game with United Matchday Mag. This first issue of the new season is FREE, so get yours now!
- Online football content like you’ve never seen before
- The mag gives you all the news, facts and features you NEED before every game
- Instantly delivered to your device with easy and secure online ordering
- Click Preview to see more and GET YOUR FREE COPY
- Limited time offer: SAVE 33% on a season pass
