Manchester United have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder, Frenkie de Jong in the summer transfer window
What’s the word?
That is according to reports in Spain that claim there is a very high chance that De Jong will be transferred to Manchester United before the end of the season.
Taking to Twitter, a reporter said: “Before the end of the league and with a 95% probability, Frenkie de Jong will be transferred to Manchester United. It is a pure economic issue. Barça needs to sell a player who has not been top at the club.”
The Dutchman’s release clause rates him at a whopping £340m but the club will hope to be able to secure a deal for just £58m, a mere snip in comparison.
A 95% chance
With such a high probability stated by a well known and respected source, it looks as though Manchester United have as good as got their midfield transfer target, something that will no doubt serve as great news for everyone associated with the club.
It would be a sensational move for United, with incoming manager ten Hag surely one of the biggest reasons that the Red Devils have been able to pull off such a coup.
United fans! Happy with this deal?
It has to be said though, the fact that Barcelona are willing to sell their 25-year-old star comes as a shock, considering the praise that Xavi heaped on the young Dutchman as recent as April 23rd.
The Barca manager shut down rumours which were then clarified by super-journalist Fabrizio Romano:
“Barca manager Xavi shuts down rumours on Frenkie de Jong leaving & Man Utd links,” Romano stated. Xavi then said: “Frenkie’s a very important player for me and for the club. He has to mark an era.
“I’m happy with him. If it were up to me he’ll continue for many years at Barca.”
For comparison, Paul Pogba averages 47.42 passes per game at a completion rate of 83.5%, though 6.61 of these are passes into the final third.
Although a shock, the United faithful will certainly take the latest news as a major positive, having almost bagged one of the best passers of the ball in the world right now, with his average of 90.3% pass completion percentage elite in the 30 La Liga appearances that the 25-year-old has made for Barca this season. He averages 56.70 passes per game with 5.59 of these passes into the final third.
Still, the £164k-per-week player, who has been dubbed a “genius” by Xavi, possesses an ability to pick out a pass that is entirely beneficial for United, who will most certainly look to implement a mass-possession style of football under incoming manager Ten Hag.
What a reunion this could be for de Jong and the Dutch boss who will surely be elated at the potential acquisition. What a boost it represents for Man United too, in what looks to be the first official deal of the new era.
In other news: Better than Pogba: MUFC can land dream Rice alternative in “exceptional” £50m monster
