Frenkie de Jong | The last muppeting lap

[B. Munich]

Every player still seems to want to be at Barcelona

It's weird isn't it?

I also believe FdJ is I'll advised to publicly saying he wants to stay at Barcelona.
This show of (false) loyalty won't have any impact on him receiving the deferred payments or not anyway. The latter will be decided by his contract.

On the other hand his publicly shown love for Barcelona can easily complicate his integration into the United squad. It's a new league, new country and if he doesn't meet the expectations running but has difficulties to settle, I'm sure many fans and the press will be quick in pointing out he never wanted to join United in the first place.

Therefore, his behavior, presuming he really wants to join United, is pretty dumb.
In that case just stay quiet and say nothing would be the much better option.
The other option is of course he really doesn't want to join you, which is unlikely, because then blame will be on ETH for insisting on a player who absolutely doesn't want to join United.

 

[Ish]

But a difficult personality

 

[ForeverRed1]

It's weird isn't it?

I also believe FdJ is I'll advised to publicly saying he wants to stay at Barcelona.
This show of (false) loyalty won't have any impact on him receiving the deferred payments or not anyway. The latter will be decided by his contract.

On the other hand his publicly shown love for Barcelona can easily complicate his integration into the United squad. It's a new league, new country and if he doesn't meet the expectations running but has difficulties to settle, I'm sure many fans and the press will be quick in pointing out he never wanted to join United in the first place.

Therefore, his behavior, presuming he really wants to join United, is pretty dumb.
In that case just stay quiet and say nothing would be the much better option.
The other option is of course he really doesn't want to join you, which is unlikely, because then blame will be on ETH for insisting on a player who absolutely doesn't want to join United.

Its not that weird, they are a huge, glamorous club based in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I really think thats key here. Imagine being a multi multi millionaire and living in a incredible villa in Barca. Playing at the Nou camp week in week out.. its a dream life really. One the flipside they are a real mess at the moment and if the press is to be believed they have treated players pretty badly. Maybe they know players really dont want to leave so they can. Bit like a crappy boyfriend who gets away with whatever they want because the girl always takes them back.

It feels like were placing all our eggs in the Frenkie basket and its dangerous. We cant afford to do this with the state of our midfield. its ridiculous but if somehow we pull this off it will pay off, he is a classy player. If he point blank wasnt open to a move, i dont think it goes this far. There is a little something there even if he prefers Barca.

 

[Swordsman]

Can Barcelona used the money from the transfer fee to pay FDJ owed wages ?

 

[swedishgloryhunter]

Can Barcelona used the money from the transfer fee to pay FDJ owed wages ?

I saw some tweet saying we upped the amount upfront. Maybe some of that will go to pay frenkie.

 

[Summit]

The financials will definitely not have it listed as wages. It’ll be listed as a one off expense.

Thinking about it how can this be possible? Otherwise they can just declare paying people 100k a week and then give them a one off payment at the end of the year?

 

[Sultan]

true. Carrick was a weird one though. There aren't many players blessed with his passing range who also had his size and his positioning sense. That allowed him to be an effective DM something better players like Scholes and Pirlo couldn't do.

Carrick was not a defensive midfielder.

Pirlo and Scholes easily had a better passing range. Carrick hardly hit long passes. Reading the game, anticipating dangers and passing between the lines were his speciality.

 

[duffer]

Can Barcelona used the money from the transfer fee to pay FDJ owed wages ?

They could.

They won't.

 

[UpWithRivers]

I dont get why Barca owing FDJ money has anything to do with the transfer. If he stays he's still owed 17 mill. So whats the transfer got to do with it. Thats between FDJ and Barca. I dont get it. Why do we have to pay more upfront to cover the wages that are already owed to him.

 

[Swordsman]

They could.

They won't.

nothing more to say.

 

[Mickeza]

Can someone in the know answer cause I'm confused. If barca stump up and pay him 17m in wages, doesn't that count towards wages paid to a player for the financial year and will hinder them with fair play rules anyway?

My understanding is that this is correct and I’d imagine it’s the issue. Ducker has said that FDJ wants it all up front.

 

[devilish]

Its not that weird, they are a huge, glamorous club based in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I really think thats key here. Imagine being a multi multi millionaire and living in a incredible villa in Barca. Playing at the Nou camp week in week out.. its a dream life really. One the flipside they are a real mess at the moment and if the press is to be believed they have treated players pretty badly. Maybe they know players really dont want to leave so they can. Bit like a crappy boyfriend who gets away with whatever they want because the girl always takes them back.

It feels like were placing all our eggs in the Frenkie basket and its dangerous. We cant afford to do this with the state of our midfield. its ridiculous but if somehow we pull this off it will pay off, he is a classy player. If he point blank wasnt open to a move, i dont think it goes this far. There is a little something there even if he prefers Barca.

Batistuta became a legend in Florence and Rome. He now lives in Australia. Maradona is a god in Naples. He died in Argentina. Its uncommon for players to stay were they made their career in irrespective of how beautiful that city is. Ultimately football is their job and once that job ends most people would want to move elsewhere. Considering how Barca treated him, that they then I doubt that he would want to stick around. He's probably playing that tune out of fear of fans reprisal + there's no guarantee that United will entertain this farce forever. If United switch target then Barca will end up with one hell of an egg on their face and FDJ wouldn't want to be blamed for it by the fans.

However I do agree that we need a plan B.

 

[AjaxCunian]

Carrick was not a defensive midfielder.

Pirlo and Scholes easily had a better passing range. Carrick hardly hit long passes. Reading the game, anticipating dangers and passing between the lines were his speciality.

I'd say long passing was his specialty in the latter years of his career.

 

[LordSpud]

I remember in the Sancho 1.0 thread when Judas was confident day in day out that it was gonna happen. The scene when he eventually came to the realisation it wasnt going to was heartbreaking. The ultimate muppet felled.

I fear this is what will happen this time with Berba and Brownie

 

[Desert Eagle]

I dont get why Barca owing FDJ money has anything to do with the transfer. If he stays he's still owed 17 mill. So whats the transfer got to do with it. Thats between FDJ and Barca. I dont get it. Why do we have to pay more upfront to cover the wages that are already owed to him.

Because if he leaves before getting paid, he's not getting that money. So it's obviously in the players best interest to get the money he is owed before leaving

 

[Nicklas]

Let’s say we pull out of the deal - what’s their plan B? ‘Cause they can’t register all these new players unless FDJ is sold, if I recall correctly? I don’t think I’ve seen any other (big) player being discussed/sold.

…so this should therefore be considered done. Barca cannot be this stupid otherwise, right?

 

[devilish]

Carrick was not a defensive midfielder.

Pirlo and Scholes easily had a better passing range. Carrick hardly hit long passes. Reading the game, anticipating dangers and passing between the lines were his speciality.

Well he wasn't a Nicky Butt but he was the most defensive out of the Scholes-Carrick duo. His passing was mint as well. I agree with the rest.

 

[Paxi]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

For once in his life, speaking the truth

He’s a good lad imo. His dad is a big United fan
- he has a soft spot for untied iirc.

 

[DWelbz19]

Let’s say we pull out of the deal - what’s their plan B? ‘Cause they can’t register all these new players unless FDJ is sold, if I recall correctly? I don’t think I’ve seen any other (big) player being discussed/sold.

…so this should therefore be considered done. Barca cannot be this stupid otherwise, right?

I think their plan B would be for Frenkie to stay on a new, deflated salary if he doesn’t leave.

If he refuses that, I think plan C would be to basically freeze him out until he does leave. Classy stuff.

 

[Brownie85]

I remember in the Sancho 1.0 thread when Judas was confident day in day out that it was gonna happen. The scene when he eventually came to the realisation it wasnt going to was heartbreaking. The ultimate muppet felled.

I fear this is what will happen this time with Berba and Brownie

Nah won't happen with me.

If he comes (which I'm still sure he will) then fantastic. If he doesn't, then so be it. Sometimes transfers just aren't meant to be, but the fact we're still in for him and negotiated a new fixed fee, tells me that United have had assurances that he does want to come, regardless of his public stance and once then issues are sorted, then it'll be done.

 

[Acquire Me]

When is the Barca tour squad announced? I think I saw a tweet that it was now?

 

[DWelbz19]

When is the Barca tour squad announced? I think I saw a tweet that it was now?

Like half 1 today GMT (I think). Maybe somewhere between like 12:30-14:30

 

[Brownie85]

I think their plan B would be for Frenkie to stay on a new, deflated salary if he doesn’t leave.

If he refuses that, I think plan C would be to basically freeze him out until he does leave. Classy stuff.

Plan C is the most likely option as a salary cut would have to be extreme and I'm sure he wouldn't agree to another extreme salary cut, not after taking one to help the club through covid.

The cut this time won't be pandemic related, it'll be so they can register their shiny new players... so I imagine he'd take a totally different stance against that.

 

[Paxi]

Laporta must be cutting back on food - that’ll activate levers and then some!

 

[devilish]

FDJ is chasing Barca for his money and United is chasing FDJ to sign him up

 

[wolvored]

FDJ is in a win win situation. He doesnt want to leave Barca so by asking for the money he reckons they owe him and they dont pay out, means he gets to stay. He is easy on leaving or staying, but wont leave until he gets his money, means Barca have to pay up to get shut, or he stays.
The only trouble is if we wait till the last day of the transfer window and he doesnt come, we are fecked. We should at least buy a cheap midfielder who is an upgrade on McFred, so at least if we dont get him we do have better than we have now.

 

[Acquire Me]

Like half 1 today GMT (I think). Maybe somewhere between like 12:30-14:30

Not that it matters that much. I guess we will see a mass muppet meltdown if he is travelling with them though.

 

[Grande]

Can Barcelona used the money from the transfer fee to pay FDJ owed wages ?

They’ll sell him to United, use the money to pay his owed salary plus giving him a raise so he stays at Barca.

Then they’ll demand add-on money from United when they win La Copa with him.

Laporta and his crew are the worst kind of hustlers.

 

[Brownie85]

FDJ is in a win win situation. He doesnt want to leave Barca so by asking for the money he reckons they owe him and they dont pay out, means he gets to stay. He is easy on leaving or staying, but wont leave until he gets his money, means Barca have to pay up to get shut, or he stays.
The only trouble is if we wait till the last day of the transfer window and he doesnt come, we are fecked. We should at least buy a cheap midfielder who is an upgrade on McFred, so at least if we dont get him we do have better than we have now.

Far from a win win... it's not money he reckons they owe him, its money they DO owe him. Also he might get to stay, but the atmosphere at the club between him and others wouldn't be the greatest, especially if they can't register new signings and he doesn't take a pay cut.

He'd be made out to be public enemy number one. I imagine he'd have a pretty tough time, will obviously play but it would be sparse and bit part I'd guess. They'd do enough so that he'd want to leave in Jan or next summer.

 

[GJNJ]

Not that it matters that much. I guess we will see a mass muppet meltdown if he is travelling with them though.

I guess it will give us an indication of how close it is. If he doesn’t go then it’s close. If he goes it will go on for weeks until either de Jong or Barcelona blink.

 

[Laurencio]

Let’s say we pull out of the deal - what’s their plan B? ‘Cause they can’t register all these new players unless FDJ is sold, if I recall correctly? I don’t think I’ve seen any other (big) player being discussed/sold.

…so this should therefore be considered done. Barca cannot be this stupid otherwise, right?

He said about a club 1 billion in debt who has sold 10% of their TV rights for the next 20 years and plan to sell another 15%. While essentially spending 100M euros + on new players.

 

[B. Munich]

Its not that weird, they are a huge, glamorous club based in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I really think thats key here. Imagine being a multi multi millionaire and living in a incredible villa in Barca. Playing at the Nou camp week in week out.. its a dream life really.

Old Trafford isn't bad either, and if you earn do many millions every year it really doesn't matter where you live.
If it's for the weather or better nightlife in Barcelona, then all alarm bells should ring. Clear sign the player doesn't have the attitude to succeed on the highest level.

It's okay to prefer to be in Barcelona, I just don't see the need to state it publicly. If he needs to move in the end this statements of preference and loyalty will haunt him at his new club when things don't go as smooth as expected.

 

[Penna]

I guess it will give us an indication of how close it is. If he doesn’t go then it’s close. If he goes it will go on for weeks until either de Jong or Barcelona blink.

I'm fairly certain he's going with them to the USA, there are some reports around and about online.

 

[Acquire Me]

I guess it will give us an indication of how close it is. If he doesn’t go then it’s close. If he goes it will go on for weeks until either de Jong or Barcelona blink.

Yes, it’s exactly that. I think it’s somewhat strange if Barca and his camp cannot find an agreement on this issue. Obviously he will not let that staggering amount go.

 

[GJNJ]

I'm fairly certain he's going with them to the USA, there are some reports around and about online.

My guess would be that he’s going as there are no reports of either side ready to compromise yet.

 

[WPMUFC]

pretty level headed from Howson (apart from the clickbait title)

 

[Volksie316]

How long will the club "sit tight for exactly?

We CANNO'T be starting the new season with McFred in midfield!

 

[Laurencio]

pretty level headed from Howson (apart from the clickbait title)

When the hell did : "What they don't want you to know?" become such an effective term? I see it all over and I steer clear because it reeks of conspiracy ridden crap - but it's obviously effective given how many youtubers use it.

 

[hellhunter]

Old Trafford isn't bad either, and if you earn do many millions every year it really doesn't matter where you live.
If it's for the weather or better nightlife in Barcelona, then all alarm bells should ring. Clear sign the player doesn't have the attitude to succeed on the highest level.

It's okay to prefer to be in Barcelona, I just don't see the need to state it publicly. If he needs to move in the end this statements of preference and loyalty will haunt him at his new club when things don't go as smooth as expected.

I think you're absolutely spot on. I'm fairly confident this is happening, but his stance and claims of loyalty either don't make much sense or are ill advised. Like you said, he should stay quiet or at least vague, if he's indeed open to join us.

Also some very good points regarding Barcelona as a club/location and the relation to a players attitude. Bayern, as much as I hate them, are one of the biggest clubs around, both historically and right now, while Munich is nothing special and has more or less the same weather as Manchester. It's not like we're located in North Korea or Mordor

 

[the_cliff]

He said about a club 1 billion in debt who has sold 10% of their TV rights for the next 20 years and plan to sell another 15%. While essentially spending 100M euros + on new players.

The debt was from the previous regime. Bartomeu was a complete clown.