Manchester United‘s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is threatening to last the entire summer, but it seems as if those at the Old Trafford club have upped the ante in recent days.
What’s the word?
According to BBC journalist Simon Stone, senior Manchester United officials Richard Arnold and John Murtough have both travelled to Barcelona to try and get the deal over the line.
The former Ajax midfielder is described as Erik ten Hag’s number one priority signing but the ongoing financial problems at Barcelona are making any deal difficult.
The Netherlands international is still owed wages by the Catalan club having taken a deferral during the pandemic to aid the financially stricken giants and is reluctant to leave this summer as a result.
While the report claims that United have other options in mind, the fact that these officials have travelled to Barcelona rather than Thailand for the pre-season tour, emphasises just how much they want him at Old Trafford this summer.
Supporters will be buzzing
United fans are probably fed up with hearing De Jong’s name at this point.
Do you think De Jong will sign?
But if the United officials can find a resolution with Barcelona in the next few days, then you would hope that it would only be a matter of time before the move is made official, given that previous reports have suggested that the two sides have agreed a fee.
Although he would be giving up Champions League football to join, you would hope that his relationship with Ten Hag will also be a factor, and the personal terms shouldn’t be too difficult, especially considering the wage problems he has endured at the Nou Camp.
Given the possession-based style of football Ten Hag will be looking to implement at Old Trafford, De Jong could prove to be a superb addition, with WhoScored suggesting that passing and through balls are amongst his strongest attributes.
The 25-year-old’s 91.3% pass accuracy was the seventh-best in La Liga last season, which suggests that he will have no trouble keeping the ball and using it effectively, so it is easy to see why Ten Hag has made him his priority.
United fans will surely be delighted to hear that their club are making strides in any potential deal, and will be hoping to find a resolution in the next few days.
