Barcelona closing in on €79 million deal for Ajax wonder-kid

The midfielder has said yes to Barcelona.

Barcelona is on the verge of signing 21 year old Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The talented youngster has been the target of many big clubs across Europe in the likes of Manchester United, City and PSG but it seems he has decided that Spain and Barcelona would be his next destination.

Barcelona have won a great transfer battle to sign such a promising youngster but it hasn't come cheap at all. A €79 million transfer deal which would see him become the most expensive Dutchman in football has been agreed with Ajax. The player would earn about €10 million a year in basic salary with up to an additional €6 million accruing in bonuses.

Ajax would certainly prefer a summer deal as they have been drawn to face Real Madrid in the Champions League Round-of-16 but a January transfer seems to be underway. 

Such a January transfer would shock the Club's fans and supporters as Club CEO, Edwin Van der Sar had earlier ruled out the chances of a deal in the January transfer window.

“We're not going to sell a player halfway through the season,” the former Manchester United goalkeeper said.

"No way. If you have financial difficulties you might look at it, but for us no.”

Just last week he appeared close to joining the French capital, but has now rejected a move to PSG and decided to join Barcelona instead.

According to Barcelona public radio Catalunya, De Jong’s agent has contacted the other clubs interested in the player to tell them he is going to accept Barca’s offer.

City had been keen to sign a central midfielder to ease the burden on Fernandinho but even Pep Guardiola admitted that his side would find it difficult to compete with Barcelona in the race for De Jong.

“Normally when you are involved with Madrid and Barcelona, you are going to lose,” Pep Guardiola said earlier this month.

“You have to be quicker and more efficient. It will more expensive for everybody and it is what it is.”

The deal to Barcelona is expected to be finalised on Wednesday after Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu meets with the player’s representatives in Amsterdam.

De Jong has made 16 league appearances for Ajax this season and has three goals to his name.