Ten Hag’s First Signing: De Jong’s €80m Transfer To United Almost Complete

Manchester United’s summer transfer process is expected to accelerate now that Erik ten Hag has wrapped up the Eredivise title with Ajax.

In fact, if reports in Spain are to be believed, United are already very close to giving their new manager his first signing, and that too a massive one.

Spanish journalist Gerard Romero has claimed Barcelona have almost closed a deal with the English outfit for Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands international is 95% certain to move to Old Trafford.

The La Liga giants continue to find themselves in a messy financial situation, and have to at least sell one big star before incomings this summer. The potential deal, which would see De Jong reunited with his former Ajax coach, is likely to be worth €70m-€80m.

De Jong has struggled for regular starts under Xavi, and the 25-year-old will lose value in the transfer market if he doesn’t perform to his potential for another season.

As such, the Dutch midfielder’s departure could be ideal for both the club and the player, who will get to play under a manager that fully understands his style. It’s important to note that De Jong is happy in Barcelona and is not actively pushing for a move elsewhere.

Meanwhile, United might already have an exciting solution to their midfield problems. Kobbie Mainoo, 17, delivered another outstanding performance in midfield as the young Red Devils beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 to lift the FA Youth Cup trophy at the Theatre of Dreams.