Ten Hag Tells Man United To Complete His First Signing Before Pre-Season
REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
Erik ten Hag has convinced Frenkie de Jong to join Manchester United, but the move is being held up the Premier League outfit’s reluctance to meet Barcelona’s terms.
United are well aware of the La Liga side’s financial situation, and hope to negotiate a reasonable fee for De Jong.
The Red Devils are not afraid to walk away if Barca refuse to lower their asking price – believed to be around £85m. Their opening bid of £53m plus £7m in add-ons has been rejected.
Ten Hag, who has done his part in getting the green light from De Jong to leave Champions League football to join his rebuild in England, wants to know if a deal can be struck by the end of next week.
Erik ten Hag is a fan of Ruben Neves, but there hasn’t been a bid. Neves has plenty of interest, including Barcelona. #MUFC want to conclude a deal for de Jong next week if they can. Player given green light, clubs still negotiating. pic.twitter.com/2hdx0926Tt
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) June 12, 2022
As per Steve Bates, the Dutchman doesn’t want to be left waiting all summer for his former player, and has told the club bosses to seal a quick deal for the Netherlands international. He wants De Jong on the pre-season tour. United’s pre-season will start on June 27.
United have already failed to sign Darwin Nunez – Ten Hag’s preferred striker target, and missing out on the manager’s priority midfield signing as well would not reflect well on the club’s new recruitment structure.
