Since the rumors began to appear about M.U wanting to buy De Jong, the story has now entered its third month and has not ended. At the beginning of the month, Man United representatives, including famous figures such as Arnold and Murtough, personally went to Barcelona, both sides also finalized a deal of 75 million Euros (an additional 10 million Euros in fees) but until now everything is still only at both sides, the other side is De Jong still shaking his head.
In the history of the Premier League, Manchester United have never pursued such a long deal. The fact that the Old Trafford team continues to call Barca for De Jong only shows the importance of this midfielder in the formation of new captain Ten Hag in the coming season.
The Dutch coach has stuck the nail on the table, De Jong is one of the most important cards. To please and match the contract with this 52-year-old strategist, M.U had to go down to the water to both Barca and De Jong.
The signal of De Jong coming to Old Trafford has not yet been picked up, but the possibility of him leaving Nou Camp is becoming increasingly clear. Aside from the stories about unpaid wages and treatment, Xavi's current squad may not need De Jong anymore. In the two big friendly matches in the US against Real Madrid and Juventus, De Jong did not start but Barca played very well, showing no signs of needing a 25-year-old Dutch midfielder.
De Jong playing in central defense leaves many big questions for Xavi, is it still necessary to say it, but is he pushing his student out of Nou Camp? Previously under Ten Hag, De Jong played as a central defender 19 times, but since then, over the years, this player has absolutely not been labeled as a central defender anymore.
De Jong is still against Barcelona and has also refused to sit at the table negotiating with Manchester United. However, if he stays at Nou Camp, both having to reduce his salary and play in a different position, it will be no different from a dead end in his career for this midfielder. If De Jong is a bright star in the Dutch midfield to prepare for the 2022 World Cup in the coming months and has to play as a central defender, it is uncertain whether Van Gaal has chosen him to go to Qatar because this individual coach only chooses players based on form.
"I don't like big or small with anyone, as a player, I respect him very much. De Jong playing in the center-back position will help Barcelona a lot. In fact, he can adapt to that position. In Barca's style of play, the central defender must be the one who distributes the ball well. De Jong and I have had discussions about this. He is always important but besides that, there is also the financial problem of the club" - Xavi shared.
Manchester United's chances in this deal are both small and big. Small at the negotiation tables but big at the end of the tunnel. Even when the Premier League has played a few rounds, De Jong will still be welcomed at Old Trafford if that time is before September 1.
