Frenkie de Jong ‘waiting for better option’ after new Man United twist – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Frenkie de Jong may be hoping for a “better option” to come along as the impasse in his potential Man United move continues.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed must be “very strange” for the Red Devils to no longer get their way in the transfer market.
According to Sky Sports (13 July), Man United have a “broad agreement” with Barcelona for the signing of De Jong – thought to be around £56million plus add-ons.
The report claims the impasse in the saga is a result of the midfielder being owed £17million in backdated wages.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Netherlands international – who has been public with his desire to remain at Barcelona.
Whelan suggested Europa League football is now “the reality” for Man United after their recent lack of success.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Man United aren’t in the position they used to be 10 years ago in terms of transfers.
“That’s due to not being in the Champions League and not being the dominant force anymore.
“Yes, they’re a big club, but people aren’t jumping at the chance to sign for them – they’re waiting for a better option to come their way.
“It must be very strange for United to deal with – because they’ve always gotten who they wanted when they wanted. That’s no longer the case.
“That’s the problem. They have to wait now, and the player has to be satisfied that Man United are going to be challenging and winning at the top of the table.
“At the moment, there are no guarantees that they will be. How are they going to get past those five teams?
“It might be Europa League football again – and that is now just the reality for Man United.”
In other news, expert claims Erik ten Hag is set for “punishing” ordeal as Man United ban details emerge.