Frenkie de Jong has reportedly chosen his new club between Manchester United and Chelsea as he prepares to exit Camp Nou. The Dutchman has shown a stern resistance in leaving his ‘dream’ club Barcelona but could after all anticipate his defeat. While United were the frontrunners after agreeing a deal in principle, Chelsea later joined the race since De Jong rejected a move to Old Trafford.
And now, according to Mundo Deportivo Chelsea may have won the race to land Frenkie de Jong. The 25-year-old has told his teammates at Camp Nou that he prefers joining Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, adds the report from Mundo Deportivo.
Frenkie de Jong chooses Champions League football with Chelsea
Barcelona have been firm on their decision of offloading Frenkie de Jong since their enormous wage bill has them entangled in dire financial situation. The midfielder happens to be one of their highest earners of the team and is since on the top of the transfer-list as well.
The Catalans need to get rid of his wages if they are to register their five new signings from this summer of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie. Manchester United quickly gathered around the midfielder with their new boss Erik ten Hag identifying him as his top priority signing.
The two clubs even struck an agreement of £71 million package for De Jong, only for the midfielder to reject the move outright. According to multiple reports, the Barca player wants a continuation of playing in the Champions League which United can’t offer. Further on, he is also owed £17 million in wages by his current employers and is therefore reluctant in leaving.
However, Chelsea have taken the advantage of Frenkie de Jong’s stand-off against signing for United to launch an offer for him. The Blues are ready to match their fellow Premier League rivals’ bid and ensure De Jong’s featuring in the Champions League as well.
Frenkie de Jong too has now given up hope on succeeding at Barcelona and has told his teammates he is ready to accept Chelsea’s proposal. The Blues’ owner Todd Boehly and Barca president Joan Laporta had met last month and already discussed a transfer of De Jong.
Chelsea will now accelerate their efforts to land the highly rated midfielder after he too is ready to move in the coming weeks. A potential deal between Chelsea and Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong could hand a boost to Blues’ manager Thomas Tuchel who has been yearning for midfield reinforcements.
On the other hand, Erik ten Hag would be frustrated to know about his former player’s decision of choosing Chelsea over United. The Red Devils will now have search for his alternatives with only 20-odd-days remaining in the transfer market to close.