As a result of a Barcelona transfer swap, Frenkie de Jong is getting closer to joining Manchester United
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong after an initial transfer fee was agreed upon with Barcelona, who are looking for a direct replacement.
The clubs have agreed on a fee of £56.2 million for the Dutch midfielder, completing the first major hurdle of the deal. It comes amid reports that the player has already cleared out his locker at Barcelona, with a move to Old Trafford looming.
Erik ten Hag, the new manager of Manchester United, spoke with De Jong over the phone and persuaded him of his importance to his plans at Old Trafford. The midfielder was told he would be the 'conductor of the orchestra' and would be an undisputed starter under Ten Hag – a similar role to the one he enjoyed so much in Amsterdam.
The Blaugrana are hoping to replace De Jong directly by raiding United's rivals Manchester City for midfielder Bernardo Silva, who is open to a move. Since joining from Monaco in 2017, the Portugal international has been a key figure for Pep Guardiola's side, scoring 48 goals in 251 first-team appearances.
According to Diario Sport, the 27-year-old has instructed his agent Jorge Mendes to pursue a move to the Camp Nou for him this summer. Barca are aware that this deal will be difficult due to the player's high valuation and City's likely opposition, but this pledge from the player is the first - and most important - step if any deal is to be completed.
Silva appeared in 50 games for City last season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists while also playing an important role in Guardiola's side's progress through the Champions League knockout stages. Simply put, Guardiola holds him in high regard and the club is under no obligation to sell him.
Barcelona has issued an ultimatum to midfielder Frenkie de Jong after reaching an agreement with Manchester United on an initial transfer fee.
United have agreed an initial fee of £56.2 million for the Dutch international, who has already cleared out his locker at Barcelona with a move to Old Trafford looking likely. Erik ten Hag, the new manager of Manchester United, coached the midfielder at Ajax and held a phone call to persuade him to join the club with his project at Old Trafford.
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The negotiation process between the clubs has become drawn out over months with the player still on holiday and with his future remaining unclear. However, United have remained confident throughout that they will attain the midfielder – who is so central to Ten Hag’s plans.
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