Manchester United still retain hope they can pull off the Frenkie de Jong transfer this summer amid a cryptic update from Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
United’s pursuit of De Jong has been the long-running saga of the summer window. He has been made a priority signing by new boss Eric ten Hag, who quickly identified his midfield as an area of weakness. But getting a deal over the line has been problematic to say the least.
Indeed, having first failed to convince Barcelona to accept an offer below his valuation, United eventually agreed to meet his asking price. As such, the two clubs have reportedly struck on a deal at around the £57m mark.
But convincing De Jong to make the move has been another major issue in its own right. Indeed, De Jong appears dead against a move to Old Trafford. To that end, it was reported that De Jong has stuck the boot into United by telling them some home truths.
Barcelona, though, still appear desperate to sell. With the club constantly at odds over their financial situation, it perhaps come as a surprise to some to see them splash out big fees for Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
As such, Barcelona still need to sell in order to help balance the books. And with United making their interest clear, De Jong looks their most saleable asset.
That said, the situation is complicated by a Barcelona wages deferral that the player agreed to take back in 2020.
Were he to sign for United, he would likely forgo a vast chunk of the money owed to him.
Nonetheless, both Barcelona and United continue to pursue a potential deal.
Joan Laporta wants Frenkie de Jong transfer clarity
Now Laporta has provided an update on the saga and suggests talks will soon be held over his future.
“Frenkie de Jong is our player, we really like him,” Laporta told ESPN. “We received some offers for Frenkie but we didn’t accept as of now, we want to talk with him and know exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation.”
However, further claims Barcelona want him gone have arisen in Spain.
And while the player is out in the USA with Barca, it seems Xavi has clarified his role at the club were he to stay.
Indeed, Xavi has reportedly told De Jong he will no longer be considered first choice were he to stay.
Furthermore, AS claims Xavi has informed the player he is behind the decision to sell him this summer.
To reinforce his point, De Jong has started neither of Barcelona’s friendly games in the USA. And while he again stepped off the bench in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid in Nevada, he came on to play in defence in the recent win over Inter Miami.
Barcelona started with a midfield three of Gavi, Pedri and Sergio Busquests against Real. They also have Franck Kessie and Miralem Pjanic in reserve.
As such, Manchester United are likely to keep chasing the Frenkie de Jong transfer in the hope Xavi’s stance will convince him to depart.
