Erik ten Hag is closing in on his priority transfer target, and his first signing as United manager could be complete in a matter of days.
The Dutchman has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer. However, getting the transfer over the line has proved problematic with Barcelona proving tricky negotiators. To that end, MUFC CEO Richard Arnold went public with the many obstacles United have faced so far this summer.
As such, Barcelona have always remained firm that their £73.8m valuation of De Jong has little room for negotiation. Highly admired by Xavi, he’s not a player they are willing to part with for lower than their valuation. As per today’s version of Sport, the fee is around £69million.
Manchester United are closing in on an agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Db1ArxYKHy
— GOAL (@goal) June 25, 2022
The Netherlands international is expected to return from his holiday this week, which aligns with the proposed deadline to complete a deal.
If his transfer fee is agreed and his stance has changed, he would be able to undergo a medical and reunite with Ten Hag in Manchester imminently.
De Jong could be one of two midfield arrivals at United this week as the club await Christian Eriksen’s highly-anticipated transfer decision.
The Danish playmaker will become a free agent on July 1 and is currently pondering over a high-profile switch to Old Trafford or a stay at Brentford because his family prefers to live in London.
Both players are viewed as pivotal to Ten Hag’s daunting rebuild at United due to his focus on improving the squad’s technical ability via ball-focused training and fresh faces in midfield. But the Dutchman will likely still be content if he can solely get De Jong over the line.
