Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong takes boat trip with Reds flop Memphis Depay as he escapes Barcelona exit saga

Posted Sunday, July 17, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

FRENKIE DE JONG took time to unwind from his transfer saga by taking a boat trip with Manchester United flop Memphis Depay.

Both players are tipped to leave Barcelona this summer with the club looking to balance the books in order to register new signings.

Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong takes boat trip with Reds flop Memphis Depay as he escapes Barcelona exit saga
Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay chilled out on a boat near BarcelonaCredit: Instagram @frenkiedejong

De Jong, 24, has been the focus of United's transfer activity and despite a £71.5million fee being agreed he appears to be no closer to a move.

But amid rows over delayed pay and doubts about De Jong joining Barca's pre-season tour, the midfielder relaxed on a boat alongside Depay, who left United in 2017 after scoring just seven goals in 53 games.

The pair posed for a photo together before being filmed diving into the sea near Barcelona - with Depay pulling off an acrobatic backflip.

De Jong also went paddleboarding with his fiancee Mikky Kiemeney, having proposed to the 24-year-old earlier this month.

Mikky shared her love for the Dutchman by commenting a loveheart under his Instagram post showing off his recent adventures.

De Jong appears relaxed about his uncertain future and is certainly making the most of what the city of Barcelona has to offer in case he does leave.

United are confident they can convince the Netherlands international to join and would not continue chasing the player if they had any doubts.

But De Jong's unpaid wages are proving to be an obstacle as the former Ajax star wants £24m from Barca having taken a reduction in wages during the pandemic on the understanding that the shortfall would be paid later.

Barca want United to pay it and Old Trafford chiefs are refusing.

Despite the issue dragging on, United are not going to walk away and are committed to getting the deal over the line.

This week both chief executive Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough were in Barcelona to try to resolve the issue and did at least manage to agree a fee for De Jong.