Manchester United is interested in According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Frenkie de Jong does not want to leave Barcelona this summer.
The Red Devils are said to have negotiated a deal with the La Liga club to sign the Dutchman, but he appears to have no plans to leave Camp Nou.
What is the most recent De Jong news?
According to The Athletic, United has agreed to pay Barcelona £63 million for De Jong. However, due to add-ons, this figure could grow to £71.4m.
However, if a deal is to be finalized, the Manchester club will have to do some convincing.
While Barcelona has been more willing to sell due to their financial condition, De Jong is not eager to leave Spain.
Although an agreement has been reached, The Athletic reports that United must now persuade the 25-year-old midfielder to move from Camp Nou to Old Trafford, which does not appear to be an easy assignment.
What did Romano have to say about De Jong and United?
According to Romano, De Jong enjoys his time at Barcelona and does not intend to depart for Manchester United this summer.
The journalist told GMS on Tuesday, “As of today, I’m told it’s still the same issue.” He wishes to remain in Barcelona. He adores the city, the club, and everything about Barcelona, therefore he refuses to go. On Frenkie’s side, the situation is very apparent.”
How desperately does United require De Jong?
Erik ten Hag believes it is critical that United sign a holding midfielder before the 2022/23 season.
The United manager recently stated (via Daily Mirror): “We’re searching for a guy who can play in the holding midfield role, but it needs to be the right one.”
“There aren’t many people in that position who can perform at the level we require.” When we can’t find him, we’ll have to make do with the players we have today, and we’ll develop one in that position. We require the proper player. We have a list and will strike when the player becomes available.”
Other midfielders, such as Wolves’ Ruben Neves, have been connected with the Red Devils, but the above implies it could be De Jong or nothing for Ten Hag.
Despite agreeing a fee with Barcelona for the Netherlands international, there is definitely a lot of work to be done if United are to get De Jong this summer. With the transfer window not closing until the beginning of September, it appears difficult but not impossible.
