Erik Ten Hag Hasn’t Given Up in Chasing After Frankie de Jong

DBasia.news – The new coach of Manchester United is still waiting for Frankie de Jong’s arrival. Erik ten Hag didn’t give up on signing the Dutch midfielder until this summer’s transfer closed.

Ten Hag did make De Jong one of his main targets after being appointed as Manchester United manager. The presence of the 25-year-old player will make it easier for him to carry out the desired game philosophy.

Ten Hag had worked with De Jong while dealing with Ajax Amsterdam. The combination of the two had brought the Dutch giants to the semifinals of the Champions League.

The problem is, getting De Jong is easier said than done. Barcelona has set a high price for the Dutch national team player.

The situation got more complicated after the player was not too interested in moving to Manchester United. One of the reasons is because the Red Devils are absent from the Champions League next season.

From the latest developments, Barcelona firmly refuses to sell De Jong. Though the Blaugrana and Manchester United reportedly had an agreement regarding the official price of the player.

This condition has made De Jong’s transfer saga uncertain. Manchester United’s efforts to inaugurate his arrival before the 2022-2023 season are held are also threatened with failure.

Ten Hag was aware of this matter. But he asked Manchester United officials to continue the mission to sign De Jong.

According to The Mirror, Ten Hag ruled out the possibility of looking for other options for the midfield sector. He encouraged John Murtough and Richard Arnold to go after De Jong.

Ten Hag is even ready to wait for De Jong until the summer transfer window closes. He is adamant even though this option is risky.

Ten Hag insisted on pursuing De Jong for a reason. From the same report, both parties apparently continue to communicate regularly.

Ten Hag strongly believes De Jong is willing to move to Manchester United. Although it is not shown to the public.

De Jong himself has strong reasons not to be enthusiastic about welcoming Manchester United’s interest. It turned out to be a trick to make his bargaining position better in front of Barcelona.

De Jong’s transfer saga is not just about determining his value. There are salary arrears that Barcelona must settle first before releasing him to Manchester United.