Dutch players union chairman weighs in on Frenkie de Jong stand-off

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s efforts to sign top target Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona have so far hit a brick wall.

While United have an initial £63 million plus add-ons fee agreed with Barcelona, per The Athletic, the player has so far refused to move, amid reports via The Telegraph that the club owe him £17 million.

Barcelona are demanding De Jong accept a lower amount, the Independent report, and have been utilising him as a back-up centre-back in the club’s pre-season friendlies.

The situation in Spain is turning ugly, while Manchester United wait. Gary Neville urged the midfielder to seek legal action.

READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23

Dutch players union chairman weighs in

De Jong’s situation is big news in the Netherlands, and a leading representative has backed Gary Neville’s stance by calling on FIFPro to get involved.

Dutch players union chairman Evgeniy Levchenko describes Barcelona’s policy as ‘insane’ and ‘disastrous’ for the player.

Levchenko told Voetbal Primeur: “I think a union should protect all players. Now a player is cornered by a club and chased away. Then it is up to an international union to stand up.

“FC Barcelona will then invoke sporting grounds, but it is disastrous for the career of a young player. That makes it a kind of extortion.”

He also urged De Jong to reject Barcelona’s proposals for a salary cut, adding: “I would say ‘no’. FC Barcelona has full responsibility. The club’s long-term policy is dramatic. It is insane when players have to pay for the financial mess.”

Barcelona have invested in new signings this summer, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and are set to sign Jules Kounde.

Selling De Jong would alleviate financial pressure on the club, and Manchester United are staying patient in an effort to eventually secure Erik ten Hag’s top midfield target.