Manchester United’s unprogressive desire to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford has pitched the Dutchman at the centre of a chaotic transfer saga.
De Jong has been coveted by the Red Devils throughout the close season but has resolutely refused to countenance a move to Old Trafford.
There is no doubt that United’s ongoing struggles and absence from the Champions League were major factors in De Jong’s decision to reject a move to Old Trafford and a reunion with Ten Hag, while he has resolutely maintained his desire to remain at Camp Nou.
However, an emerging report now claims that United’s rival Chelsea have made a significant breakthrough in an attempt to bring the former Ajax star to Stamford Bridge after the midfielder was believed to have been subjected to abuse by Barcelona fans when he arrived at the club’s training complex on Wednesday as he continues to be linked with an exit.
Barca who cannot register some of their new signings until they have sold more players and lowered their wage bill, with supporters now beginning to turn on the players who won’t leave have essentially demanded De Jong to take a pay cut and the player is said to feel as though he is now the subject of a ‘smear campaign’ given he is unwilling to reduce his salary.
United’s inability to convince De Jong or resolve the wage issue is believed to have opened the door to Chelsea in recent weeks, with the Blues now believed to be close to agreeing on a fee with Barcelona.
National Daily gathered that when the 25-year-old Netherlands international drove into Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training ground on Wednesday there were fans lining the entrance who booed and jeered as he approached in his car.
In a video from Spanish newspaper Sport, repetitive shouts of, ‘Take a pay cut, b***h!’ can also be heard from some especially hostile Barcelona supporters, who appear to have fully bought into the board’s narrative surrounding the situation.
Chelsea could however benefit from this latest scenario at Nou Camp as Barca fans have started to turn on De Jong for simply wanting his contract honoured. The midfielder may have to pause to reconsider whether he still wants to remain at the club.