Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold’s comments about the club’s transfer strategy this summer have hit him in the foot for the pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong.
Arnold was secretly filmed at a meeting with United fans at a pub on Saturday, where he addressed a wide range of issues, including the club’s transfer approach this summer and the Glazer family’s ownership of United. However, his comments could have a negative impact on their efforts to sign the Dutch media.
Former Ajax star De Jong is a top transfer priority for new United manager Eric Ten Hague, and there has been a phone call between the two that has already taken place, in which the coach described the role the player would enjoy under him, as part of a charm attack to land the player. Saturday’s reports describe how the midfielder has already cleaned his closet in Barça with a move that seems to be approaching.
Manchester United got rid of the duo who allegedly leaked information about the locker room Eric ten Hague’s secret phone call to Frankie de Jong that led him to empty the lockers of Barcelona
De Jong is said to have been assured by the new United boss after the call that the whole team would revolve around him and that he would be the main point of reference in the midfield. He would be the “conductor of the orchestra” and would be the undisputed beginner under Ten Hague – a similar role that Ajax liked so much.
However, De Jong’s future remains fragile with United and Barça locked in negotiations on the structure of an agreement that would lead center-back to Old Trafford. John Mertow in charge of completing the transfer for United is John Mertow, who is unlikely to be very pleased with Arnold’s comments – even if they were not intended to be made public.
“Arnold was recorded saying when he spoke about De Jong:” Money does not matter who we want. The coach wants him (De Jong) and they have actually done the job. He is a great player, “he added.
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Barcelona midfielder De Jong is the main transfer target of Ten Hags United (
Picture:
AFP via Getty Images)
“Is it εκατο 100m or 200 200m? I do not know. Find what you want. Do you want me to buy the players? Doesn’t that ring the bell?”
These comments show that the money is not a target for United in their efforts to reach an agreement for De Jong off the line, but this is unlikely to help Murtough in the negotiation process. Barcelona will be notified of this attitude and it is understandable that they will weaken United’s negotiating position when the Catalan giants demand higher transfer costs.
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