Manchester United and Barcelona have reached an agreement on the transfer fee for Frenkie de Jong, but significant obstacles remain, according to reports.
The Dutch midfielder has been a target for United for several weeks. Erik ten Hag, the new manager of Manchester United, wants to reconnect with his fellow Dutchman after their time together at Ajax.
However, a number of issues have stymied the deal’s progress thus far. And the transfer fee issue is just the tip of the iceberg.
This summer, De Jong has repeatedly stated that he does not want to leave Barcelona for Manchester United. And he has reiterated his stance this week, as Red Devils executives travel to Spain in search of a breakthrough.
In addition, Barcelona still owes De Jong unpaid wages totaling €17 million (£14.3 million). Despite the fact that they view him as their most marketable asset, the fact that they still owe the player they are trying to sell is a significant roadblock.
According to The Athletic, both clubs have now cleared the first major hurdle and are in ‘total agreement’ on De Jong’s transfer fee.
United will give the La Liga team a guaranteed €75,000,000 (£63,000,000) in addition to up to €10,000,000 (£8.47,000,000) in add-ons.
Barcelona will be happy with that amount, but it is only the beginning of the deal’s issues.
