Earlier on Wednesday, we covered claims made in Spain stating that Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong’s exit seems imminent as Barcelona are keen to offload him.
It was also explained the La Liga side’s leaders and Xavi Hernández have held talks with the midfielder and asked him to accept the opportunity to join the Red Devils.
Earlier this week, Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough made a trip to Barcelona to hold talks with the Blaugrana for the 25-year-old.
Since then, there have been various claims, at least in Spain, about the two clubs’ desire to find an agreement for the Netherlands international’s transfer.
This is again backed up journalist Gerard Romero, who claims both Arnold and Murtough are on their way back to Manchester ‘without an agreement’ with De Jong, even if they have one with Barcelona.
📺 DIRECTO @JijantesFC
Los dirigentes del Manchester United ya abandona Barcelona, en estos momentos viajan hacía Manchester. De momento, sin el acuerdo con Frenkie, sí con el Barça #mercato https://t.co/3KVGW54way
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) July 13, 2022
Sport back this up and state Erik ten Hag’s side have a total agreement with Barca, but the player is still not convinced and now, more so, due to economic reasons.
De Jong is yet to receive a good part of the deferred wages, and the figures Manchester United are willing to pay doesn’t fall close to what he is suppose to receive, meaning the English club are looking for formulas, but are not receiving much help from him and his camp.
Due to this, the Old Trafford club have issued an ‘ultimatum’ to the midfielder to try and close the deal this week or they will give up on their operation.
United started talks with Barcelona hoping that Ten Hag could convince his compatriot.
He opened up to this possibility after finding out the Spanish giants are looking to cut ties with him, but the salary issue has now become a difficult hurdle to overcome.
In fact, De Jong has warned Barcelona that he has no intention to take a pay cut, which could make it more complicated for Xavi’s side.
Sport state: ‘All parties are confident of reaching an agreement, although the reality is that the negotiation is very tense at the moment. If De Jong does not end up leaving, it is difficult for Barça to opt to sign a new midfielder and even a centre-back’.
