As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United has struck a deal with Barcelona to sign the midfielder, Frenkie De Jong. The Red Devils have agreed to pay a guaranteed sum of £75m excluding add-ons.
After several rounds of talks, the club officials have decided to trigger the clause to get their in-demand target this summer.
According to sources, United has decided to speed up the sale, but there are still problems with Barcelona owing the Dutch international midfielder £17 million in deferred pay.
Despite De Jong’s desire to stay with Barcelona, a team he has long had hopes to play for, it is believed that Barcelona, which is struggling financially, has advised him to consider a transfer.
An agreement was reached after chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough travelled to Barcelona earlier this week for in-person discussions. De Jong had been United’s top target all summer, but the transfer had stalled because Barca was taking their time paying the debt.
Manchester United have reached full agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong, after further talks. Package worth €85m. Fee guaranteed around €75m plus add-ons. 🚨🇳🇱 #MUFC
Personal terms, still the issue to be resolved – as Frenkie’s priority is to stay at Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/aTYnV3cHkP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
The 25-year-old has already shown a desire to pair with Erik ten Hag, who took over at Old Trafford this summer. Personal terms will now need to be properly agreed upon between the club and the player.
The news of a deal is a massive breakthrough for United and Ten Hag, as De Jong was swiftly designated as the team’s top transfer priority earlier this summer.
There was a chance he would travel with the team on preseason trips to Thailand and Australia, but Barca’s aggressive negotiation approach has thwarted those hopes.
Additionally, the Red Devils are getting closer to making a deal for defender Lisandro Martinez of Ajax. They have struck a deal worth €55 million, which includes €50 million in guaranteed payments and €5 million in potential add-ons. The Argentinean is now just one step away from joining United.
