Rijo Sam Daniel
Manchester United reach a transfer agreement in principle with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Barcelona for signing Frenkie de Jong on a transfer move this summer. The long-standing saga seems to be finally nearing a conclusion, with a deal being finalised soon enough.
De Jong is set to join up with Man United before the pre-season starts on July 8 as they travel to Bangkok to kickstart their tenure under Erik ten Hag. They appear to have succeeded in fulfilling ten Hag’s wishes as the boss can quickly work on helping the midfielder adapt to the new surroundings.
It took the Red Devils seven weeks to make a significant development as the move is now expected to be finalised shortly. They will part ways with a guaranteed sum of £56.14million, although there are add-ons included which could increase the cost in the future.
Imminent signing?
The Mancunians look to have secured a great deal by prising away one of the best midfielders in European football as of now. Furthermore, we only have to pay the guaranteed fee in instalments which makes it a great piece of business indeed.
De Jong rose to make a name for himself under ten Hag at Ajax, but he has had a bit of a mixed time at Camp Nou since moving to Spain. That is because de Jong was never utilised in his favoured position and often was subjected to varied roles due to his resourceful skill-sets.
The Dutchman had impressed in those roles, but he just could not maintain consistency which is down to his unfamiliarity. In such a case, a move to Old Trafford could do him wonders as ten Hag would be able to use the 25-year-old midfielder in the right manner. That also suits us, considering Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic’s departures have left us with no one who can progress the ball from deep.
De Jong’s 91.4% successful pass percentage, one tackle, 1.4 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game last season show the kind of influence he can have on games, making him an ideal option for the holding midfield role.
Now we have to wait for the medicals to take place as a transfer will only be finalised after the Blaugrana superstar passes the tests once he returns from his holidays. The fans would hope to see that happen soon now that training has already started under ten Hag.
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This would be one headache less as the Dutch manager tries to begin his revolution at Man Utd. The exit of Paul Pogba would have left a big void in our midfield but if there’s anyone who can fill it, it’s de Jong.
