“I must sign this player” – Erik Ten Hag sends surprise transfer message to Man United to sign £60m Barcelona superstar to save his career at Old Trafford

“I must sign this player” – Erik Ten Hag sends surprise transfer message to Man United to sign £60m Barcelona superstar to save his career at Old Trafford

What Frenkie de Jong told Barcelona teammates ahead of prospective Manchester United transfer

Man United had agreed a fee with Barcelona for the Dutchman but a dispute regarding deferred wages saw the move delayed and eventually called off.

Frenkie de Jong informed his Barcelona teammates that an exit was on the cards last summer after Manchester United agreed a fee for the midfielder.

United came to an agreement with Barcelona over deal worth around £56million plus add-ons last June, around the same time they secured a move for Tyrell Malacia. The technical midfielder was Erik ten Hag’s priority target during his first window in Manchester.

However, complications regarding De Jong’s exit from Barcelona stalled a move, with the Dutchman owed around £15m in deferred wages. His prospective move to Old Trafford dragged on all summer before United eventually moved on, signing Casemiro from Real Madrid.

Following the closure of the window, De Jong insisted he was set on staying with the La Liga side and has since become a vital part of Xavi’s team. But according to teammate Gavi, a sale was very much on the cards.

“I admire Frenkie,” Gavi told La Vanguardia. “When he said he could leave, I was upset and told him so. Thank goodness he didn’t leave and is still with us.”

De Jong went on to play 37 times for Barcelona last season, registering two goals and four assists as his side romped to the La Liga title. He was again linked with an exit this summer, with the Catalan side continuing to manage financial issues.

Ten Hag had again prioritised central midfield but moved quickly to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea for £55m. United also took Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina and have an option to make his move permanent for €20m, plus a further €5m in add-ons.

Recent reports have suggested that Barcelona are close to agreeing a new contract with De Jong, which would pour cold water on any future links with Ten Hag and United