Man Utd have been tipped to be successful with their final bid for Frenkie de Jong after a report revealed a key demand they are now ready to meet.
The saga of the transfer of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United has defined the summer of the Red Devils. United’s pursuit of the 25-year-old Dutchman has entered its third month. In that time, the club has closed deals for three more stars: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.
However, Barcelona ace De Jong remains the main prize at stake. In fact, new boss Erik ten Hag has promised his compatriot that he will be the main man for his new midfielder.
Barcelona have accepted United’s offer, understood to be in the region of an initial £56m, rising to more than £70m through add-ons. Although his public stance says he is happy to retain De Jong, Barca are believed to be desperate to move the player behind the scenes.
However, the main challenge has been to convince the player to change clubs. To that end, De Jong has yet to agree personal terms with United and a key factor behind his reluctance to move is the £17m he is owed in deferred wages.
De Jong agreed to take back a large part of his salary to help Barcelona overcome the financial strain that arose during the Covid pandemic.
However, the Spanish giants are insisting that United take on the deferred wages in addition to a deal for De Jong, something the Red Devils have so far refused to do.
But according to Spanish channel Diario Sport, United are ready to make a U-turn on that front.
United prepared to “assume the debts”
First, they claim United are preparing a “final bid” that will see De Jong pocketing around £450,000-a-week at Old Trafford. But more importantly, it is noted that they are now also willing to take on the £17m in deferred wages.
The Mirror adds its take on this development, stating that the turn of events is set to produce a “breakthrough” for United.
However, legal complications will make “taking on the debts” no easy feat. In fact, United cannot legally assume the wages owed to another player.
As such, the Mirror suggest that the structure of a De Jong deal will have the £17m “built into other payments” the player will receive during his time in Manchester. This could include base salary, bonuses, add-ons and sign-on/loyalty fees.
Of course, United would still have to convince De Jong Old Trafford is the right place to be. However, the issue of due wages was believed to be the main sticking point, and this latest development could finally bring about a long-awaited breakthrough.
Frenkie de Jong will define Man Utd’s summer
The fact that United have been so strong in their pursuit of De Jong has ensured that no viable alternatives have been signed.
Eriksen played in a similar position to De Jong at Brentford last season. However, already 30 years old, the Dane is far from a long-term option.
Ten Hag have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford firing up front in pre-season. Martinez will add intensity and bite to the backline, although the center of the field remains the big area of concern.
Scott McTominay and Fred never stop giving their best effort. However, recent seasons have shown that the pair are not of the standard required to get United back where they belong.
De Jong would represent a giant step up in quality and so Ten Hag’s persistence in the chase is understandable.
If the Dutchman can be signed, United will have the perfect player to control the tempo and set the tone in midfield. If not, you’re probably in for another frustrating and inconsistent campaign.