Since the midfielder was Manchester United’s top priority this summer, this news will undoubtedly be devastating for the club. The 25-year-old has said he does not want to leave the Camp Nou, but Barca is still trying to get him to move.

Published: 10 August 2022


Sport reports that negotiations between Chelsea and Barcelona for a £67.6 million move are far advanced. They claim that the Blues have moved swiftly in their pursuit of the Dutch midfielder, having only initiated talks to sign him a few days ago.

The Red Devils are said to have reached an agreement with the LaLiga club to acquire De Jong, but the player is stalling on a move to Old Trafford. In contrast to United, who will be playing in the Europa League this season, Chelsea can offer the former Ajax ace Champions League football.

Sport, though, has stressed that De Jong alone will make the ultimate call. They claim he is aware that the Spanish powerhouses are willing to sell him in order to alleviate their financial woes.


 

Despite President Joan Laporta and Head Coach Xavi’s best efforts to keep him, he will be leaving the club. Last month, Barca gave De Jong the option of accepting a pay cut or being moved.

After agreeing to delay payment of his salary during the pandemic, Barcelona already owes De Jong £17m in delayed wages. The Spanish giants reportedly threatened legal action against De Jong in an effort to reduce his salary.

It remains to be seen, though, if he will leave Catalonia before the transfer window closes, as Sport have maintained. Chelsea is in frequent contact with De Jong’s agency as they try to persuade him to make the move to Stamford Bridge in the next few hours.


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