Frenkie de Jong’s potential transfer from Barcelona and Manchester United is “stalling”.
That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano following claims Barcelona and United have finally come to €85 million agreement for the Netherlands midfielder.
Fans have become frustrated by the delays which are non-stop when it comes to signing De Jong this summer. I’m even beginning to wonder if we will see United walk away from a deal unless it’s completed by Friday.
There are still some huge hurdles to overcome with doubts over De Jong’s preference over a move, while Barcelona still owe him £17m from deferred wages and bonuses since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Romano tweeted: “Frenkie De Jong’s agents Ali Dursun and Hasan Cetinkaya have informed Barcelona that Frenkie has still no intention to leave – also that Frenkie and agents are not accepting any salary reduction, or talks related to that. Man United are also informed – deal now stalling.”
A decision needs to be made soon and United also need to find out if De Jong actually wants to come to Old Trafford. It’s ridiculous that we still have doubts over that, despite tracking the midfielder since the beginning of the transfer window.
SN’s verdict
I never liked that this deal was taking well over a month to conclude. United seem too patient at the negotiation table because if De Jong is unsure about moving to Old Trafford, John Murtough and Erik ten Hag should have went for an alternative option a long time ago.
We’re approaching mid July and United are still without their primary transfer target.
It’s time to complete this deal or move on to another player. De Jong is not the only midfielder who can improve this United side.