Manchester United has made progress in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong this summer while the Catalan giants indicate they already have a replacement in mind.
Despite the fact that contract discussions are already in their third month and the start of the 2022–23 season is less than a week away, United has not lost up on landing the Dutch international star.
Richard Arnold and John Murtough, the Red Devils’ transfer coordinators, went to the Catalan capital last month to meet with Barca representatives and finalize the De Jong transfer.
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However, they left without reaching a binding agreement. However, a £56.2 million initial fee is in place, with a maximum transfer of £72 million.
Following a Mundo Deportivo article outlining how Bernardo Silva was at the top of the club’s wish list to replace Frenkie De Jong, Barca president Joan Laporta has now acknowledged that the club will make an effort to recruit the Manchester City star.
The Portugal international could theoretically take the role of the former Ajax star in City’s midfield despite frequently playing in a front three.
The 27-year-old Portugual international is wanted by Barça coach Xavi, and when Laporta was asked if an offer was still feasible, he responded, “First we have to register the players we have so far signed.”
“Then, if the coach requests more players, we’ll see what can be done. The summer is rather lengthy. Till August 31 [the market] remains open.”
We must register the new signings, and we’re hoping to do that by August 13 (when the Spanish season starts). We shall then observe what transpires. It’s possible that there will be another signing.
Since joining City from Monaco in 2017, Silva has scored 48 goals while making 251 first-team appearances. Under Guardiola’s tutelage, Silva has excelled.
However, he was more well-known than ever last year thanks to a career-high 33 Premier League starts, eight Premier League goals, and starting roles in 11 of the club’s 12 Champions League games.
