DBasia.news – Frenkie de Jong became Manchester United’s main target in the transfer market last summer. But in the end the Red Devils failed to sign from Barcelona.
The new manager of Manchester United, Erik ten Hag really wants De Jong to move closer to Old Trafford. He wants to make his former team at Ajax Amsterdam the axis of the new midfield.
Manchester United then made an official approach. But the development of the De Jong transfer saga is more complicated than imagined.
A number of issues have hampered Manchester United’s efforts to bring De Jong. One of the most important of course is related to Barcelona’s debt to the player which amounts to around 14 million euros.
In addition, De Jong never expressed his intention to leave. Manchester United’s bargaining position is getting lower as they aren’t playing in the Champions League.
Manchester United did continue to be linked with De Jong before the close of the transfer market. But the British giant had already stopped the hunt.
According to the Daily Express report, Manchester United ended the hunt for De Jong after Barcelona raised the price tag for the 25-year-old player. El Barca wanted to sell him for 85 million euros.
Manchester United considered the price to be unreasonable. Barcelona seem to want to take advantage of the situation as they need money to solve the problem of their financial crisis.
Manchester United are increasingly convinced to forget De Jong after the opportunity arose to sign Casemiro. Real Madrid’s midfielder was quickly redeemed for 60 million euros.
The arrival of Casemiro automatically made Manchester United stop targeting De Jong. The two players do have a similar playing style.