Man Utd's last-ditch contract offer to De Jong - the details
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
- 3 min read
Manchester United are set to make a last-ditch effort to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona in the coming weeks, in the hope of getting their priority target this summer.
The Red Devils identified the Dutchman as new manager Erik ten Hag’s primary midfield option, with the former Ajax boss eager to improve his team’s midfield.
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The two clubs have been engaged in negotiations over the player since the middle of May, and there are several factors contributing to the deal.
Barcelona are eager to sell De Jong, and Manchester United are willing to pay a high fee, but it comes down to the player’s situation over his deferred wages that he is owed by the Catalan club.
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De Jong is refusing to leave Barcelona as he is owed around €17 million in wages, as a result of a deferral he accepted during the pandemic, and he wants those paid in full before leaving.
Manchester United have already agreed a €75 million fee, with €10 million in add-ons, with Barcelona, however, it now comes down to the player’s wages.
With just a month left in the transfer window, United are set to go all-out, with the Daily Mail saying that they will give the player a €535,000-a-week wage package, along with the full deferral payment owed by Barcelona.
Take a bow, Frenkie de Jong 😍
Could not have placed it better! A beautiful goal away to Napoli...
Very satisfying net noise as well 👌#UEL pic.twitter.com/jLj0q5Eozw— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 24, 2022
A few weeks ago, Manchester United refused to engage with De Jong’s deferred wages, but it seems with the season due to start soon, that stance has changed.
Barcelona have already said they are fine with De Jong staying at the club at the minute, with coach Xavi admitting he is part of the team having played in their pre-season tour of the United States.
Speaking to the media, Xavi said: "I don't know if he is going to stay. There is still time and a lot of things can still happen. At the moment he is part of the team, like everyone who is here."
