Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Gary Neville calls for major twist in Frenkie de Jong saga to end Barcelona ‘bullying’ and seal Man Utd move

Frenkie de Jong, Netherlands midfielder during UEFA Nations League Semi-finals match between Netherlands 3-1 England at the Estadio Don Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes, Portugal

Gary Neville has called on Frenkie de Jong to take legal action over his deferred Barcelona wages and smooth out Manchester United transfer talks.

The Netherlands midfielder is the subject of this summer’s headline-grabbing transfer saga. United want him to move to Old Trafford, but he has so far resisted such calls.

There is the fact that he doesn’t want to leave Barca – at least not for United. Barcelona, though, view him as their most saleable asset and have agreed in principle a £63million deal with the Red Devils.

But De Jong’s decision to forego his wages during the coronavirus pandemic has added a major twist to the story amid his links with an exit.

The Barca star has reportedly agreed to a pay cut after the La Liga side fell €10million short with an offer to resolve the dispute.

According to former Man Utd star Neville, though, Barca’s antics this summer amid the De Jong situation amount to “bullying”.

“De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him!” the pundit wrote on Twitter.

“A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach.

“FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.”

Barcelona reportedly owe De Jong €17million (£14.4million) in wages that he agreed not to take to help the club through the pandemic.

Neville’s reaction comes after Barca have spent big on Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, despite a mountain of debt.

The La Liga club have sold off parts of the club to ease their concerns. Global investment firm Sixth Street have bought 25 per cent of the side’s La Liga TV rights in a 25-year-deal.

De Jong, Man Utd saga rumbles on

Aside from the fact De Jong doesn’t want to move to Man Utd, the wage dispute presents the biggest problem.

And it looks at this stage like Barca will eventually do what they can to help him stay if he does not want to leave.

De Jong is caught in two minds – he wants to stay at Barca but the club have so far failed to pay him what he is owed. On the flipside, he does not want to move to United.

Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong?

Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong?

Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong when the player seemingly doesn't want a move to Old Trafford?

While Barcelona have hit the headlines for their role in the  saga, De Jong also has to play his part in deciding his future.

For now, United believe there is still a deal to be struck and will keep pushing.