Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his desire to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer.
The Dutch manager sees de Jong as a key player in the style revolution he intends to bring to Old Trafford.
According to reports, Frenkie de Jong has reportedly told Ten Hag that he wants to move to United. This comes after de Jong had previously opted to stay at Barcelona during the 2023 summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old midfielder has had conversations with ten Hag over the phone, expressing his desire to join the Red Devils.
Ten Hag and Frankie de Jong share a special bond that was forged during their time together at Ajax.
Ten Hag, known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talents, played a crucial role in de Jong’s development as a player.
Under ten Hag’s guidance, de Jong flourished, showcasing his exceptional technical ability, vision, and versatility on the field.
Their successful partnership helped Ajax achieve remarkable success domestically and in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
While Ten Hag wants to sign De Jong, there are challenges and uncertainties surrounding the potential transfer.
Barcelona would like to keep De Jong, but they may have to sell due to their financial struggles.
President Joan Laporta has even suggested that De Jong should take a pay cut if he wants to stay at Camp Nou.
In January, United and Barcelona tentatively agreed on a deal that had the potential to reach a staggering £72 million. However, there has been a delay in finalising the agreement.
The holdup is primarily due to an outstanding amount of approximately £17 million in back payments owed to De Jong by Barcelona.
These payments were deferred during the pandemic when the club encountered financial difficulties.
United and Barcelona have a broad agreement in place for a deal, but the conclusion is yet to be reached.
Ten Hag remains calm about the situation and is confident that a deal will happen after privately talking with De Jong.
