Barcelona and Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement over an initial €65 million deal for Frenkie de Jong.
According to a report by ESPN, Barcelona and Manchester United have made a breakthrough in their talks over a possible move for Frenkie de Jong in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils will pay an initial €65 million to secure the services of the Dutch midfielder, with add-ons taking the total package to €80 million.
Frenkie de Jong is one of the best midfielders in Europe, with the player making considerable progress since joining Barcelona from Ajax in July 2019. But while the 25-year-old has been one of Barcelona’s most reliable performers in the last three years, his stint has been marred by the Catalan club’s struggles on and off the pitch.
The Dutch midfielder has made 140 appearances for Barcelona thus far, chipping in with 12 goals and 17 assists. But de Jong’s stint with Barcelona will soon end, with the Blaugrana looking to sell him amid their never-ending financial difficulties. Such a situation has captured the attention of Manchester United.
Frenkie de Jong became the priority target for Manchester United as soon as it became clear that Barcelona could sell him in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are also prepared to make de Jong one of their highest-paid players to tempt him to move to Old Trafford ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Following Paul Pogba’s departure as a free agent, Manchester United’s need to bolster the creative midfield ranks has accentuated. So de Jong has emerged as a viable target for the Premier League heavyweights, with the Barcelona midfielder gradually opening up to the idea of moving to Old Trafford.
Talks between Manchester United and Barcelona reached an advanced stage last week, and the two parties have now reached an agreement over an initial €65 million deal. Manchester United will also be liable to paying €15 million in add-ons upon meeting certain criteria, taking the total package to €80 million.
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Personal terms are thus the only factor holding up the completion of the transfer. But according to widespread reports, Manchester United will likely see through the €65 million deal this week. As for Barcelona, the advent of Gavi and Pedri will soften the blow of losing de Jong, as they look to move the Dutch midfielder to Manchester United.
