The end looks to be in sight for Manchester United as they close in on the signing of Frenkie de Jong.
Nearly two months on from opening talks with Barcelona over a potential deal, the finish line is finally in sight. The MEN reported this morning that United have agreed deals to sign De Jong and fellow Dutch international Tyrell Malacia.
It’s been a long and protracted saga for United, and no doubt one they would have preferred to get done much quicker. Their predicament has not been helped by their rivals getting in early with some big deals, causing more anxiety among supporters.
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With De Jong now on his way to Old Trafford, they'll finally get their wish. And in the process, United have succeeded where Manchester City failed three years ago.
Back in January 2019, the Blues were keen to sign De Jong, with the Dutchman impressing in Ajax’s stunning Champions League run. There was, however, plenty of interest, and the moment Barcelona weighed in with a mammoth offer for both club and player, City were blown out of the water.
Reflecting on his side’s missed opportunity, Pep Guardiola said: “The transfer market, the salaries, increases a lot. When we arrived here our average age was so old. After Neymar at PSG, it increased to incredible levels. Unfortunately, that’s why we spend a lot to change the team.
“We have to be quicker and smarter and try to buy the players. We have to adapt. It’s difficult to buy top, top players at a good price. It’s almost impossible. Maybe we have to trust in the young players and help them develop their own personality here.
“The reality is that it’s not just one or two teams paying a lot on wages. There are many. Many, many. Before the rumours was that it was just PSG and Manchester City. That is over. Everybody can pay a lot in fees and wages.
“It’s not just in England: it’s in Italy, in Spain, France. Maybe not in Germany. There are many and sometimes we can’t compete with that. We have to be quicker, faster and don’t get nervous. At the end, we want players who want to come here.”
Ajax very much held the power back in 2019. The Dutch giants weren’t in a position where they needed to sell too many of their emerging stars, so they could easily sit back and let the bids roll in before eventually accepting a deal worth up to £75million.
Three years on, United have held all the cards in their negotiations with Barcelona. The Catalan side are in desperate need of funds, such is their precarious financial sitting, and while Xavi clearly wanted to keep hold of De Jong this summer, they were always set to accept an offer.
United were dealing with a very different Barcelona than the one City came up against back in 2019. Had the situation been similar, De Jong could have been plying his trade in the blue half of Manchester. Erik ten Hag will be glad he's not.
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