Man Utd now closing in on De Jong

Manchester United are near finishing a deal to convey FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Outdated Trafford as Erik Ten Hag’s first summer time signing.

What’s the newest?

Based on GOAL, a breakthrough has been made within the negotiations between the 2 golf equipment, with a compromise reached.

Regardless of solely being rated at £54m, Barcelona initially wished a price near £86m, however might now be keen to simply accept a deal price £69m.

It might see The Crimson Devils enter the marketplace for the primary time this summer time and start the rebuild below new supervisor Ten Hag.

The previous Ajax coach labored with de Jong throughout his time in Amsterdam, so it’s not shocking that he needs to re-sign him.

He’s a giant improve on Fred

Maybe the largest space of concern for United heading into subsequent season is the midfield. A number of gamers on this space have departed this summer time following the expiry of their contracts with the membership deciding to not renew many.

Except they make additions, United will as soon as once more need to depend on the duo of Scott Mctominay and Fred. While neither of those gamers are unhealthy, the membership should be aiming for higher if they’re to convey again the glory days.

De Jong would signify that improve and will function in an identical position to Fred however present extra high quality.

Is Frenkie de Jong an improve on Fred?

If you examine him to his positional friends in Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous 12 months, he ranks within the high 8% for passes below stress, so he has the composure required to succeed on the highest stage.

He’s been labelled a “genius” by his present supervisor and Barcelona legend Xavi.

The Dutchman additionally reveals his attacking qualities by rating within the top 5% for carries into the ultimate third, proving he’s the entire midfielder the membership want.

Fred hardly compares, he made 74 progressive carries final season which was outmatched by de Jong’s 199.

If United can safe his signature then it might signify an actual coup, exhibiting that regardless of not qualifying for the Champions League, they and their new supervisor have a singular pull that different golf equipment would wrestle to match in the event that they had been in the identical place.

AND in different information: Man Utd given inexperienced gentle for “extremely gifted” signing, supporters can be buzzing…