Manchester United has been negotiating a deal with Barcelona to sell Frenkie de Jong. According to the Metro, Erik ten Hag is now optimistic about United's chances of completing a transfer of around £60 million.
Despite United's refusal to accept Barcelona's asking price, ten Hag believes the trade will be completed soon. The former Ajax manager has made de Jong his top aim this summer.
Frenkie de Jong played under ten Hag at Ajax, and now the newly-appointed Manchester United manager wants to reconcile with his former student at Old Trafford.
According to the Metro, the Red Devils have offered £52 million for the Dutchman, while Los Cules want £72 million. It is Richard Arnold's first season as head coach, and the plan is not to overpay the 25-year-old.
Barcelona wants to trade Frenkie in order to balance their books and sign a few of their own targets. They also hope to capitalize on United's need to buy a quality CDM after losing Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, and Juan Mata this summer.
According to the report, ten Hag is becoming increasingly confident that the two teams will reach an agreement on a compromise deal worth around £60 million.
Our Opinion
Frenkie has expressed reservations about joining United. This is due to United failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. The player is content at Barcelona and only wishes to join a Champions League club if he is forced to leave.
Erik ten Hag wants to center his new project on De Jong and has apparently persuaded him to relocate to Old Trafford. The holding midfielder was at his best under ten Hag but has failed to live up to expectations at Camp Nou.
This saga has now lasted more than five weeks. Having said that, it will be in Manchester United's best interests if they finish the deal quickly or pull out completely. It is understood that they do not want to be Barcelona's bailout given their financial predicament, but it would be preferable if they moved on to other targets if a deal with the La Liga giants cannot be reached fast.
The talks between the two teams may well continue. And, who knows, maybe Barcelona's ambition to get out of their current slump outweighs United's desire to sign de Jong. Erik ten Hag will be certain to get his guy if this is the case.
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