Frenkie de Jong is not being sold by Barcelona this summer, according to club president Joan Laporta. Despite discussions with Manchester United about a potential deal.
The Dutch midfielder is Erik ten Hag’s main target during the summer transfer window. In concept, De Jong would be joining Manchester United this summer. It’s still anticipated that United’s prolonged eight-week chase of De Jong would result in a €65 million (£56.14 million) transaction with add-ons. It’s believed the original sum will be paid in phases.
Frenkie De Jong financial issues in FC Barcelona
In reality, wages are the problem. If he were to remain at Barcelona, Joan Laporta intimated that they would need to resolve the issue of his pay.
That’s because he has to make up that compensation in the upcoming seasons after delaying some of it during the pandemic. De Jong will earn €18 million this season in addition to a further €2.88 million in a loyalty incentive. While he will receive €27.7 million overall the following season.
Laporta would naturally want to reduce that number as Barcelona looks to rebuild. While United is willing to pay him €18 million per year in salary, they will not assume the additional €12.5 million in bonuses that are owed to him. Which is the reason the transfer has not yet been completed.
If it involves money, the typical pattern is that someone will back down from their demands. That or make a concession in order to reach an agreement. De Jong is content in Barcelona, so there’s a chance he won’t budge. Neither Barcelona nor United would be able to persuade him to accept a better offer.
Fabrizio Romano gives updates on Frenkie De Jong future
Barcelona President Laporta on De Jong’s move
“Frenkie De Jong is a Barca player. And unless we feel the need or the interest to sell him we won’t do it. Frenkie de Jong isn’t for sale. We know he has offers. And if at a given moment we are interested in selling him then we would think about it.
“But right now we won’t sell him. Even more, we are acquiring another Franck. Franck Kessie.”
De Jong’s transfer is still what Manchester United hopes
De Jong has four years left on his contract at the Nou Camp and made 46 appearances for Barcelona last season.
The Dutchman was a member of the Ajax team that won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup double and advanced to the Champions League semifinals while playing for the new United manager Erik ten Hag.
Though negotiations on the deal moved slowly, earlier this month reports said that signing the 25-year-old was Ten Hag’s top objective during this summer’s transfer window.
Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, and Paul Pogba have all already left Old Trafford this summer, leaving the team without many options in the middle of the park. His prospective presence at the club would be timely.
