De Jong's deferred salary delays his move to United

In England it is taken for granted that De Jong will play under Ten Hag in the 2022-23 season. The deal is said to be sealed between United and Barcelona. However, it has not yet been finalised and there is a question that worries the English side.

The 'Telegraph' newspaper claims that the reason why the signing of De Jong has not been completed is a pending account of Barcelona with the Dutchman. At the time, the 'Cule' club had to readjust salaries in order to cope with the losses caused by COVID-19.

When De Jong arrived at Barça in 2019, the midfielder agreed he would be paid 14 million a year. However, the pandemic forced the club to defer wages.

De Jong was paid 12% less, that is 12.32 million euros. After that, the player was paid an extra three million in salary deferrals and the figure rose to nine million in 2020-21. 

In order to pay him what he is owed, explains the aforementioned source, Barça would have to pay him 18 million euros this season, double what he was paid last season. And to that would have to be added another 2.88 for the loyalty bonus.

The debt would still not be paid off. For that to happen, in 2023-24, De Jong would have to continue to receive the 18 million euros and the loyalty bonus would rise to 9.7 million. In total, 27.7 million euros. United refuse to pay him such a figure.

The agreement between the parties is complete, but 'Telegraph' claims that, in order for it to become effective, United have asked FC Barcelona to come to an agreement with the player regarding the outstanding salary, as they do not want the deal to be affected by this fact at Old Trafford.