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| Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona in action with Andrés Guardado of Real Betis during the La Liga Santader match between Real Betis and FC Barcelona at Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain, on May 07, 2022. |
Barcelona have told Frenkie de Jong they want him to
leave the club to join Manchester United, The Athletic understands.
It is understood that Barcelona’s hierarchy have
informed De Jong that they need to sell him in order to balance their excessive
wage bill, which has led to complications in registering their new signings
like Raphinha.
Barcelona are trying to convince De Jong that a
transfer to United would be the best move for his career and while they believe
he is a talented player, it has come down to an economically related decision
rather than a sporting one.
At present, it is unclear whether De Jong will
travel with the Barcelona squad on their pre-season tour in the US.
The Athletic reported earlier today that United have agreed
to pay Barcelona a guaranteed fee of €75million (£63million, $75million) for de
Jong and that they could also pay add-ons worth €10million (£8.47million,
$10million).
It is thought that Barcelona feel United’s offer is
a great amount and that they would rather have a quick sale as they know it
won’t be there forever.
However, the situation is also being complicated by
Barcelona owing De Jong a deferred salary payment worth €17million from which
is still stalling the deal.
United sent a delegation to Barcelona to hold
face-to-face talks over the signing of De Jong which led to a breakthrough in
regards to the transfer fee.
Barcelona signed De Jong from Ajax for £86million in
2019 and he has since made almost 100 league appearances for the Catalan club.
However, Barcelona’s financial situation meant De
Jong’s future has been hanging in the balance, with debts of £1billion and
strict controls on recruitment and expenditure.
Under Ten Hag, De Jong was one of the shining stars
in the Ajax side that reached the Champions League semi-final in 2018-19, where
they beat the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus to reach the latter stages of
the competition.
So far this window, United have signed Feyenoord
left-back Tyrell Malacia. Christian Eriksen is expected to join, while they are
also closing in on a deal for Lisandro Martinez.
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