Despite being their top target all summer, Manchester United will not be signing midfielder Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona.
That’s according to a recent report from Sport, who claims the Netherlands international has made a final decision on his future and informed all parties that he will be staying at the Nou Camp this season.
This news may not come as much of a surprise to fans, who have witnessed the saga drag on, but it will still serve as a bitter blow to manager Erik ten Hag, who has been desperate to be reunited with the former Ajax midfielder.
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Despite previously agreeing a fee worth £72m (€85m), United are set to come up short in their efforts to sign the Arkel-born midfielder.
Manchester United have reached full agreement with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong, after further talks. Package worth €85m. Fee guaranteed around €75m plus add-ons. ??? #MUFC
Personal terms, still the issue to be resolved – as Frenkie’s priority is to stay at Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/aTYnV3cHkP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
Even though the Premier League giants have already lured Casemiro from Real Madrid, the Red Devils are still in search of a player capable of operating slightly higher up the pitch, and when it comes to De Jong, very few have the same skillset.
There is no doubt that the 25-year-old would have been an amazing addition to the 20-time league winners, but sadly, given the player’s desire to be a success in La Liga, as well as some unusual contractual issues, the talented number 21 will not be leaving Spain – at least not this summer anyway.
We are a big club if not the biggest in the world, we should not beg players to join. Many other top players in the world, chase those that are top class and want to play for the club.