Manchester United accepted the fact that their prime target from this summer Frenkie de Jong won’t be arriving at Old Trafford. They were relentlessly chasing the midfielder all summer long, only to face rejection multiple times. As a result, they are going to put a full stop on their summer business with deals closed for Ajax winger Antony and Newcastle United’s shot-stopper Martin Dubravka.
The Red Devils’ new man at the helm, Erik ten Hag had right away demanded the signing of a holding midfielder to get rid of the ‘Mc-Fred’ [McTominay and Fred] partnership. He also targeted his former player from Ajax Frenkie de Jong as the one to come in through the doors of Old Trafford. However, the Barca man chose to remain at his ‘dream’ club and United instead snapped up Real Madrid’s Casemiro for £70 million [£60m fee+£10m add-ons].
Frenkie de Jong to stay at Barca after a prolonged transfer-saga involving United, Chelsea
Frenkie de Jong has been a subject to headlines throughout the summer window for various events. Man United approached him first for a transfer, which was further green-light by the Catalans club to everybody’s surprise. Barcelona needed to sell their prized asset in order to lower their wage bill to register their new signings which included the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde. The two clubs even went on to agree a massive £71 million deal for a potential move of the midfielder.
However, De Jong refused to leave the club, and join the Red Devils. The 25-year-old wanted Champions League football which was not at offering at Old Trafford. The Devils were humbled last season to a sixth place finish in the Premier League, leaving them with a ticket to Europa League. It not only hampered their De Jong deal, but also forced star forward Cristiano Ronaldo to take the decision to quit the club.
Further on, new reports revealed Barca owe their Dutch midfielder £17 million in differed wages which was also holding out the move. However, Barcelona asked De Jong to accept a wage cut, or face legal action since they claimed his previous contract extension to be ‘illegal’ under the regime of Josep Bartomeu. In the middle of this tiff, Chelsea joined United in the race to sign the midfielder.
The Blues even tabled a higher bid than United and offered Champions League football as well. De Jong still rejected the approach and has now reportedly agreed to negotiate a salary-cut to stay put at Camp Nou. As a result, United have given up on his pursuit and are content with the signings they have made so far.
Ten Hag welcomed Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord [£13.5m], Christian Eriksen [free], Lisandro Martinez [£51m], Casemiro [£60m], Antony [£85.5m] and now Martin Dubravka [on loan]. While one may still depict United’s £227 million spending a mediocre one looking at their signings, it is what Ten Hag has to make do with.
However, inside reports suggest that they still remain interested in acquiring the services of Frenkie de Jong in future transfer windows. For now however, Ten Hag has closed the De Jong chapter and looking forward to working with new signings. United are currently on their way to recovery after losing first two games of the season, winning two back-to-back over Liverpool and Southampton. It also seems Cristiano Ronaldo will remain with the club, though its unimaginable to see the 37-year-old stand up for the Europa League anthem.