Manchester United is close to reaching an agreement with Barcelona for signing Frenkie De Jong this summer.
The two teams have been negotiating a deal for the Netherlands international for a few weeks. He played for Ajax under Erik ten Hag and was a key player on a team that won the domestic double in 2018–19.
According to Fabrizio Romano, an agreement has been struck on De Jong’s transfer fee, which is thought to be €65 million with performance-related add-ons.
While the Red Devils do not foresee issues surrounding the player’s personal terms, negotiations over the deal’s finer details are still ongoing. It is estimated that the transfer will be officially announced in the coming days.
Manchester United had a new direct contact today for Frenkie de Jong deal. 🚨🇳🇱 #MUFC
After €65m new verbal bid, Barça ask for €85/86m fee. The agreement is finally getting closer as clubs are in talks about add-ons to reach €85m full package.
Work in progress between clubs. pic.twitter.com/tXZiPKD9NN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2022
Given that Erik Ten Hag has chosen his fellow countryman as the player to rebuild his midfield, De Jong may end up being the first signing of Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old has played 140 times for Barcelona after moving to Camp Nou from Ajax in a €75 million move in 2019.
Since making his debut in 2018, he has been capped 44 times for the Netherlands, and he will be a regular on Louis van Gaal’s team for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
There have been rumors about the transfer all summer, and United has long been interested. De Jong is a well-known player at Camp Nou, but due to Barcelona’s severe financial circumstances and urgent need to bolster other areas, he has to be sacrificed.
Together with Erik ten Hag, Manchester United believes that he has the skills to lead their project.
