Erik ten Hag's top target throughout the entire window has been Frenkie de Jong. The Manchester Evening News understands that Manchester United have agreed a deal with Barcelona for the Dutch midfielder, but although personal terms still need to be finalised, the club have had assurances that the player is open to moving to Old Trafford.
Though De Jong would like prefer to stay in Spain, Barcelona wants to push through his sale to fund their incomings this summer and also provide space in their wage cap. They have already agreed a deal for Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie and also extended Ousmane Dembele's contract.
But the major deal they have finally completed in the transfer window is Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker publically stated his desire to leave and join Barcelona. This likely means that the German club have to find a replacement and this could solve a major problem for United.
Also read: Ten Hag explains United's midfield strategy amid De Jong pursuit
Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club this summer and though United's official stance is that the forward is not for sale, they may have to accept a bid for the player if a Champions League club comes in with an offer. The Athletic stated earlier in the window that his agent Jorge Mendes had offered him to Bayern.
In recent days, Spanish journalist Manu Sainz has stated that Mendes is still trying to convince Bayern to make an offer for Ronaldo and while coach Julian Nagelsmann is keen to sign the player, there are key members of the board who think it would be a mistake. This would be in line with the club's director Oliver Kahn's comments, who said about the deal: “As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest players, a move would not fit into our philosophy."
The issue still stands though that Bayern need a proven goalscorer to replace Lewandowski. Even though the rest of Ronaldo's game is failing him at 37, his goalscoring rate is still incredibly effective, as he scored 24 goals last season for United in 38 games in all competitions.
If United were able to sign De Jong and then part ways with Ronaldo, it would significantly help Ten Hag start his project at the club and he could also sign a replacement for the Portuguese forward who better fits his style of play. However, any potential move could still be a way down the line.
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