Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reiterated that the club don’t want to sell Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong this summer.
The Red Devils have been in constant talks with the Blaugrana for the 25-year-old, but they are yet to reach a suitable transfer agreement.
Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that United have finalised a fixed fee of €65 million but still need to agree on add-ons worth €20m.
However, Gerard Romero has said that Barcelona are looking for at least €75m up front with another €12m in the form of variables.
Hence, United’s pursuit is hanging in the balance. Amidst this, Laporta has emphasised that Barcelona don’t want to lose De Jong’s services.
He told Barca TV+ via Sport: “Frenkie de Jong is Barcelona player – we don’t want to sell him unless we have no other choice. Of course we know there are offers for de Jong – but we don’t want to sell him.”
Our view:
United have identified De Jong as their priority target for the summer, but the negotiations with the Blaugrana have been far from smooth. The Spanish club have been firm on their valuation.
It was initially anticipated that United could secure a quick deal for the Netherlands international, considering the Blaugrana may want to balance their financial books before June 30.
However, the scenario has somewhat changed after the Blaugrana received around €207.5m from Sixth Street for the sale of 10 per cent of their Television rights for the next 25 years.
The onus is now on the Red Devils to make a breakthrough with the Blaugrana, but there are more chances of De Jong leaving rather than extending his stay with the Catalan giants.
With four years left on his current deal, the Blaugrana may need to pay him around €88.58m with loyalty bonuses included. The Spanish side can’t afford such a huge outlay amid financial issues.
The Dutchman would obviously need to accept a reasonable pay-cut of around 25-30 per cent to continue at Camp Nou, but he seems to have no intention of doing so in the prime of his career.
Hence, this should lean towards his departure at some point during the summer transfer window. United are the only club locked in negotiations for him, and should be confident of sealing a deal.
A concern will arise if any of their European counterparts enter the race. Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the situation, and could be the club that could try to hijack United’s pursuit of De Jong.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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