De Jong left ‘disgusted’ by Barcelona after they confirm £72m Man Utd deal over the phone

Joe Williams
Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong carries the ball

Frenkie de Jong is not happy with Barcelona after they phoned him to tell him that they had accepted an offer from Man Utd, according to reports.

Despite making their interest known a couple of months ago, the Red Devils are still struggling to get a transfer over the line for the Netherlands international.

De Jong moved to Barcelona in 2019 from Ajax in a €75m deal but he hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations associated with such a big transfer fee.


More McFred? Man Utd right to mend and make do this summer while Ten Hag transitions


The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals in 140 appearances for Barcelona but they are now happy to sell him this summer as they look to rebuild their side.

Catalan TV station TV3 (via the Daily Mirror) claim that De Jong was left ‘disgusted’ with Barcelona after Xavi informed him over the phone that they had reached a £72m deal with Man Utd.

And Mundo Deportivo provide more information about the €85m (£72m) deal with the agreement in between the Red Devils’ €60m valuation and Barcelona’s intial €100m asking price.

However, ‘the most important thing is still missing’ in the negotiations with De Jong still keen on staying at Barcelona and ‘does not want to move at the moment’.

It is understood that Erik ten Hag ‘is trying to seduce him personally’ and his ‘grateful’ for United’s interest despite his displeasure that Barcelona want to sell.

Man Utd ‘intends to sign him at all costs’ and have held a fresh round of negotiations in Barcelona recently to try and get a deal over the line.

Another issue they are currently facing is the £17m that Barcelona owe De Jong in deferred wages and bonuses following a loss of revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Netherlands international reluctant to move until he knows he’s getting his money.

Former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman recently claimed that he knows that De Jong wants to remain at the Camp Nou.

“I know the situation of Frenkie and he said it himself the other day, he wants to stay,” Koeman said last week. “It was his intention to stay at Barcelona and nothing else. That is the only thing I know.”