Frenkie de Jong | The last muppeting lap

[Rob Bowman]

I would choose Barcelona over Chelsea/United/City any day of the week and I wouldn't give a flying feck about their prestige or the EPL being "the strongest" league on the planet. That's how much of a difference living in Barcelona/Madrid makes, as opposed to living in the UK where the food is very meh, the weather is fecking meh and, let's be honest, the people, especially the new generation, are extremely meh.

In regards to underhand payments, I'm going on a limb here and I'm saying that most big clubs do it. If City do it and they aren't caught, the others are likely to do it as well.

A few years back I had a choice between Barcelona and Frankfurt for a job. I went to Spain without thinking a second about it. Then I had the same choice, stay in Spain for an extra year, or go to Frankfurt/Manchester. Again the choice was very very easy, even if the pay would have been bigger in the other two cities.

Moving on, I very much agree that Madrid/Barca can do this kind of shit in public to players and still retain their attractiveness for players. I think it's mostly Spain actually, especially for Latin players like Raphina, Bernardo, etc. It's sickening, but it is what it is.

I agree if everything else was equal... I would jump on Barcelona way before Manchester. The other posters point was Barca are clearly treating loyal players like crap and yet, players are still falling over themselves to go there.

I am afraid I agree with berryberryshrew, Barca are not a club I would join right now despite the lovely geography.

 

[FrankDrebin]

He's not going to get fecking sacked in his first year.Jfc.

 

[Wezzaldo]

I would choose Barcelona over Chelsea/United/City any day of the week and I wouldn't give a flying feck about their prestige or the EPL being "the strongest" league on the planet. That's how much of a difference living in Barcelona/Madrid makes, as opposed to living in the UK where the food is very meh, the weather is fecking meh and, let's be honest, the people, especially the new generation, are extremely meh.

In regards to underhand payments, I'm going on a limb here and I'm saying that most big clubs do it. If City do it and they aren't caught, the others are likely to do it as well.

A few years back I had a choice between Barcelona and Frankfurt for a job. I went to Spain without thinking a second about it. Then I had the same choice, stay in Spain for an extra year, or go to Frankfurt/Manchester. Again the choice was very very easy, even if the pay would have been bigger in the other two cities.

Moving on, I very much agree that Madrid/Barca can do this kind of shit in public to players and still retain their attractiveness for players. I think it's mostly Spain actually, especially for Latin players like Raphina, Bernardo, etc. It's sickening, but it is what it is.

Sorry each to their own and that, but you’re talking a lot of bollocks there. Having lived in Barcelona for a little while myself, it’s really not all that as a city. Plus it’s full of thieving sods. Remember getting pickpocketed twice in a week. Caught the second one in the act and should of seen his cronies swarm towards me. Feel safer in Manchester City centre personally.

Regards to the food comments, you act like it’s some mining town from the 50’s where you can only get potatoes and pies. They city and surrounding areas (where a lot live), is full of fine dining and quaint gastro pubs.

And again a personal thing, but it’s so bland in Spain, whereas I’d put the English countryside up against most places in the world.

 

[sglowrider]

De Jong and winding road

Take the Jong way home

 

[Kostov]

Yes in their third years.

And you can say 2 years too late doesn’t it? Listen I am not saying it should happen and I certainly wouldn’t like it, but he is setting himself up for a failure. Waiting on someone all summer who would rather be somewhere else, and in the position we are the weakest.

 

[Chief123]

And you can say 2 years too late doesn’t it? Listen I am not saying it should happen and I certainly wouldn’t like it, but he is setting himself up for a failure. Waiting on someone all summer who would rather be somewhere else, and in the position we are the weakest.

Do you know how I can add someone to the ignore list? Asking for a friend.

 

[Berbasbullet]

And you can say 2 years too late doesn’t it? Listen I am not saying it should happen and I certainly wouldn’t like it, but he is setting himself up for a failure. Waiting on someone all summer who would rather be somewhere else, and in the position we are the weakest.

Or maybe he has a great relationship with Frenkie and knows he would put in maximum effort at United?

 

[Penna]

I am sorry that my comments aren't pleasant for you. What I don't understand though, why am I spinning narratives and you are not? We are arguing about the same (limited) set of information available. I just take a different stance based on that than you do. I'd say some of you may come off your high horses. Shouldn't that place have learned the lesson how to deal with diverging opinions during the Ole wars?

Rhetorical question, I'll leave your Barca-bashing party to it from now on.

You don't understand muppeting threads.

 

[NZT-One]

And you can say 2 years too late doesn’t it? Listen I am not saying it should happen and I certainly wouldn’t like it, but he is setting himself up for a failure. Waiting on someone all summer who would rather be somewhere else, and in the position we are the weakest.

Don't try mate. There are people around that feel negatively poked when other opinions are mentioned. I also don't think, that ETH risks getting fired by Christmas but I share your concerns. Maybe my expectations for the new recruitment team have been too high.

You don't understand muppeting threads.

Do you mind elaborate on that? I am totally fine for people being enthusiastic and hopeful. But it shouldn' be met with accusations of being whiny or moaning or pushing narratives when somebody has a different outlook on things. After all, we all probably have different expectations of the clubs actions.

Not long until all these stars will want to play for Rosenborg, Molde, Brann or Viking to escape the sunny spain.

 

[Leonzo1]

Honestly I'm quite fed up with our recruitment department. What the hell are we doing chasing another big money CB who is only 5' 11 after already signing Martinez.

 

[devil99]

I want FDJ to stay at Barca for atleast 6 months or a year if it can royally feck Barca for how bad they are treating him.

I don't think his WC position in danger, even if he has serve tea for next six months there, LVG would still play him.

Even if FDJ and Barca find an agreement, I want United to low ball at the last moment for dragging us through the mess they created for so long.

As a United fan what's another six month or a season of more pain after all the shit we have been through for a decade. And also with Eriksen need for FDJ is not so urgent.

 

[El-Manos]

Please just let him rot at Barca and play CB. Walk away from the deal and leave Barca in the shit.

This. Move on. He ain’t interested; he’d rather be treated like shit.

 

[phelans shorts]

This. Move on. He ain’t interested he’d rather be treated like shit.

This is no time for kink shaming

 

[Zippycup]

Nothing dramatic pal, the season starts in less than 2 weeks and we have reinforced in what most pressing area? I understand he wants FDJ but at what price? I don’t understand that last line? Isn’t every potential incoming transfer for filling a gap?

No. It's not.

The club have wasted a unprecedented amount of money buying players that weren't the right fit for the club or team.
Yes, it's impossible to get every singing right but the % of fail to success ration falls heavily on the side of fail.
Just going through some of the players we've bought should be enough to make fans sit back and wait for the right signing over "any" signing.
Romelu Lukaku £76m
Paul Pogba £89m
Morgan Schneiderlin £32m
Angel Di Maria £68m
Wan Bisaka £50m
Henrikh Mkhitaryan £38m
Alex Telles £14m
Alexis Sanchez (swap but extortionate wages)
Memphis Depay £31m

I could add so many more to the list.
We have to start buying the right player, we definitely have to stop buying a player because the fans demand a signing.
If ten Hag feels that the roght type of isnt player avaliable to improve the team then the right decision is to wait.

 

[Plant0x84]

The sooner he flops, the sooner the muppets can move on to their next saga?

Frenkie is POTY elect.

 

[Superunknown]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Confirmed that Xavi said this

They're properly mugging him off.

We'll look after you, Frenkie.

 

[Kostov]

Do you know how I can add someone to the ignore list? Asking for a friend.

I can do it for you don’t worry.

Or maybe he has a great relationship with Frenkie and knows he would put in maximum effort at United?

We can’t judge his future effort, and I am not saying ETH doesn’t know him, at this present moment he does not show much of his willingness to come here. And who can doubt him 17m is a lot of money doesn’t it? And like any new incoming transfer there can be lots of stumbling blocks even if he comes. Considering all that I think ETH is taking all the risk on himself.

 

[Heinzesight]

I was told this is ‘cucumber time’. I’m sat here, my cucumber in hand, but nothing is happening.

 

[mu4c_20le]

He will be free soon. Free to an adult Disneyland where there are no wage caps.

 

[2 man midfield]

How pissed off do you really need to get before you decide that 17m you’re owned isn’t worth it? Surely De Jong knows exactly what they’re doing, and is only more determined to wait it out?

 

[Kostov]

Don't try mate. There are people around that feel negatively poked when other opinions are mentioned. I also don't think, that ETH risks getting fired by Christmas but I share your concerns. Maybe my expectations for the new recruitment team have been too high.

I think the chances of him getting fired by Christmas are slim but our squad is very under equipped imo, and he is not making it any easier for himself.

We share the same concern I agree.

 

[phelans shorts]

How pissed off do you really need to get before you decide that 17m you’re owned isn’t worth it? Surely De Jong knows exactly what they’re doing, and is only more determined to wait it out?

I reckon they end up agreeing to somewhere in the vicinity of a 10-12m payout at some point before our season starts, probably with him missing the opening game while all the legalities go through.

Barcelona will carry on as they are and will eventually blink as the window approaches.

 

[Ted Lasso]

How pissed off do you really need to get before you decide that 17m you’re owned isn’t worth it? Surely De Jong knows exactly what they’re doing, and is only more determined to wait it out?

That really does seem to be Barca's goal doesn't it? Shameless and disgraceful.

The fact that FDJ has held firm this long probably means this has transfer saga has some way to go, but i think it has to finish this window. Especially with the WC coming so soon, staying at Barca becomes a lot more painful than just the money for the kid.

 

[Fanta Stick]

I was told this is ‘cucumber time’. I’m sat here, my cucumber in hand, but nothing is happening.

https://www.yourdictionary.com/cucumber-time

"A period of the year when there was little work for tailors."

 

[Plant0x84]

It is difficult as long as we have to keep the little 70 million in our backpocket in case something happens finally. What we are currently doing is showing that we are ready to die proudly as long as we finally get the player. You want to talk about wrong messages sent, I think that is a pretty bad one in itself.


You may delighted, I have nothing against the player, it is a cheap punt, nothing wrong with it as long as other, more pressing business isn't blocked. It still isn't a clear sign of a well-thought recruitment plan. We want to talk about fullbacks, probably should have started on the other side. The other transfers are a free agent with a heart issue and our 2nd-choice CB. Is this really something we should be so happy about?

Disagree. We made it clear Frenkie is the priority and focused on agreeing a fee for him with Barca before taking the remaining budget and moving onto other signings (Eriksen/Martinez/Malacia) and I do not believe we are done yet. We will see a deal for a forward (possibly Antony) and possibly a RB. It’s already been stated outgoings will be tackled towards the end of the window. Seems like a structured plan of priorities to me.

 

[We need an rvn]

I think the chances of him getting fired by Christmas are slim but our squad is very under equipped imo, and he is not making it any easier for himself.

We share the same concern I agree.

I disagree - we have a manager who knows exactly what player / type of player he wants to make his system work and doesn't want to get someone else in who doesn't fit or live up to scratch. Breath of fresh air - BUT then again, the Dutch can be stubborn so maybe you're right

 

[glazed]

Considering all that I think ETH is taking all the risk on himself.

I actually admire his big cojones on this one although not literally.

 

[Plant0x84]

I didn’t bother because I think it’s just a rant about nonsense that you want to go on

Definitely a negative agenda here. Can’t say I blame you.

 

[croadyman]

I reckon they end up agreeing to somewhere in the vicinity of a 10-12m payout at some point before our season starts, probably with him missing the opening game while all the legalities go through.

Barcelona will carry on as they are and will eventually blink as the window approaches.

Be lucky if it gets sorted by deadline day

 

[Igor Drefljak]

If I were Frenkie, I'd be digging my heels in also.
He holds the cards here. He doesn't have to take a pay cut, he doesn't have to leave, but it will royally feck up Barca's plans.

I also think United are doing the right thing, they've not been the 'joke' that some claim. They've agreed a price, they've done their job. It's Barca now being the complete joke.

What I can't understand, is why anyone would want to move to them with how they're handling things. Deferring wages, treating their players like this.
It's a club in a mess, selling off their assets, short term gain with long lasting effects. If they don't get this right, and bring instant success, it's gonna hurt them as years pass.

As for Frenkie, he'll want to move. There is no way he would want to stay there surely, but he clearly wants what he's owed first.
That is why United are still in this dragged out transfer, because he will want to move to us, he just needs that joke of a club to sort out their issues.

 

[croadyman]

This. Move on. He ain’t interested; he’d rather be treated like shit.

Certainly looks that way and no still don't think he is just waiting to be paid anymore

 

[Kostov]

No. It's not.

The club have wasted a unprecedented amount of money buying players that weren't the right fit for the club or team.
Yes, it's impossible to get every singing right but the % of fail to success ration falls heavily on the side of fail.
Just going through some of the players we've bought should be enough to make fans sit back and wait for the right signing over "any" signing.
Romelu Lukaku £76m
Paul Pogba £89m
Morgan Schneiderlin £32m
Angel Di Maria £68m
Wan Bisaka £50m
Henrikh Mkhitaryan £38m
Alex Telles £14m
Alexis Sanchez (swap but extortionate wages)
Memphis Depay £31m

I could add so many more to the list.
We have to start buying the right player, we definitely have to stop buying a player because the fans demand a signing.
If ten Hag feels that the roght type of isnt player avaliable to improve the team then the right decision is to wait.

Wait a minute, how are you so sure that FDJ will be the right fit? You are saying there is zero chance he turns out like Di Maria or even better, he turns out like the FDJ that Barca got thinking he is the right fit for their Crujff like football philosophy?

And what of those names you mentioned were bought because fans wanted them?

 

[Andycoleno9]

Now it is the time to lower our offer. For 20 mil at least

 

[croadyman]

If I were Frenkie, I'd be digging my heels in also.
He holds the cards here. He doesn't have to take a pay cut, he doesn't have to leave, but it will royally feck up Barca's plans.

I also think United are doing the right thing, they've not been the 'joke' that some claim. They've agreed a price, they've done their job. It's Barca now being the complete joke.

What I can't understand, is why anyone would want to move to them with how they're handling things. Deferring wages, treating their players like this.
It's a club in a mess, selling off their assets, short term gain with long lasting effects. If they don't get this right, and bring instant success, it's gonna hurt them as years pass.

As for Frenkie, he'll want to move. There is no way he would want to stay there surely, but he clearly wants what he's owed first.
That is why United are still in this dragged out transfer, because he will want to move to us, he just needs that joke of a club to sort out their issues.

He isn't getting that money owed in one go, still see them finding a loophole around it and stretching it over a few years.

 

[phelans shorts]

Be lucky if it gets sorted by deadline day

There’s absolutely nothing to suggest that’s the case.

 

[Syphon Wallet]

How pissed off do you really need to get before you decide that 17m you’re owned isn’t worth it? Surely De Jong knows exactly what they’re doing, and is only more determined to wait it out?

Well I'm not rich or a footballer, so I can only speak personally...
You would have to cut both my hands off for me to let go of 17m.
Even then I'd think about clamping on with my feet.

 

[croadyman]

There’s absolutely nothing to suggest that’s the case.

So are you in the confident or walked away camp

 

[phelans shorts]

So are you in the confident or walked away camp

Confident, there’s no reason not to be

 

[Zippycup]

Wait a minute, how are you so sure that FDJ will be the right fit? You are saying there so zero chance he turns out like Di Maria or even better, he turns out like the FDJ that Barca got thinking he is the right fit for their Crujf like football philosophy?

And what of those names you mentioned were bought because fans wanted them?

I'm not saying that at all and if you actually read what I said you'd have realised that.

That's why I said it's impossible to get every signing right. We can never know for sure.

What I do know is that ten Hag thinks he is the right fit and is willing to hold out to get him. I also know that the scattergun approach we've used over the last 10 years hasn't worked.

 

[TheGame]

Now it is the time to lower our offer. For 20 mil at least

We should say to them the offer gets lower £1m each day they don’t pay him.